teachers and the Education Ministry will begin today.

Teachers have been working without a contract since August 31 last year.

Talks, which had been taking place off and on since then, broke down in January after officials from the Education Ministry rejected the union's final proposal.

The proposal was believed to have been similar to that reached between Government and white collar workers.

Government and the Bermuda Public Service Association agreed to a raise of 2.98 percent for the next two years and several other benefits, including an extra day of leave.

The Bermuda Union of Teachers has accused Government of treating teachers less favourably to other civil servants.

The Royal Gazette also understands that teachers -- who have been on a work-to-rule since last month -- are concerned about the working conditions at several middle schools, particularly those which are still under construction.

The union -- which has repeatedly complained about the Education Ministry's lack of consultation with teachers -- has also never been officially notified about the operation of alternative school which is now scheduled to open at Warwick Camp in April. With numerous issues to sort out, the arbitration is expected to last for at least two days.