sources told The Royal Gazette .

The officers are angry over the hiring of Mrs. Sarah Carter Pendleton, the expatriate wife of a Bermudian.

They say new Immigration legislation granting rights to non-Bermudian spouses of locals do not relate to the Civil Service.

The Public Service Commission has been urged to rescind the hiring.

Customs officers met at the Bermuda Public Services Association headquarters to discuss their next move, and according to sources they ruled out a strike -- at least at this stage.

Yesterday BPSA general secretary Mr. Eugene Blakeney said: "I don't have any comment. We are presently in discussions with our personnel department.'' He added the BPSA would probably have a lot to say if a resolution was not reached.

Deputy Collector of Customs Mrs. Norma Smith said she did not attend the meeting and was unable to comment.

"Everybody is working normally today,'' she said.

Mrs. Smith added she would probably have known if officers had decided to strike.

Customs officers have already staged a two-day sick-out, creating delays at the Airport freight shed.