a mass meeting today.

They have been unhappy with working more than the agreed teaching limit of 25 hours a week in Government schools.

Last week Bermuda Union of Teachers members were balloted on industrial action as the row dragged on and strikes remain a possibility if the members reject the proposal this afternoon.

Union General Secretary Michael Charles said: "This is not a new thing -- it has gone on for a number of years. Teachers just want to get this cleared up.

"The number of hours worked varies from school to school -- some teachers are doing 30 hours.'' However Mr. Charles declined to say what the new deal involved or whether he would be recommending his members accept it.

He explained that he couldn't speculate on whether his members were likely to opt for industrial action if they rejected the compromise deal. "I can't speak for them.''