The two sides in a labour dispute at electricity supplier Belco spent more than five weeks trying to reach an agreement before the matter was sent to arbitration.

Today a government spokesman confirmed that the row between workers and management had been simmering for several days before being officially reported to the department of labour relations on June 10.

The Electrical Supply Trade Union, representing employees, issued a 21-day strike notice three days later after the department launched an investigation.

It is understood the dispute arose over management plans to “restructure” the company, raising fears of possible redundancies among employees.

The long-running dispute was finally sent to arbitration yesterday.

Today a government spokesman said: “The Department of Labour continued working to resolve the matter, facilitating several mediation sessions between the parties involved.

“Throughout the mediation process, the ESTU requested two extensions of the strike notice under the provisions of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 2021. Both extension requests were granted, allowing mediation efforts to progress.

“The mediation sessions yielded agreements on certain issues while pinpointing others that remained unresolved.

“Despite these efforts, the parties reached an impasse yesterday afternoon. With the strike notice set to expire yesterday, and no further extension requested by the ESTU, the matter was referred to the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal in accordance with section 70 of the Act.”

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, acknowledged the dedication of both groups.

He said: "I wish to thank the parties for their efforts in reaching this point in the negotiations, and I trust that the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal will use every endeavour available to it to settle this matter in a just and equitable manner."

Mr Hayward also said that, with the tribunal now overseeing the dispute, he would not make any further comment on the matter.