A dispute between Belco management and staff has been sent to arbitration by the Minister of Economy and Labour.

In a notice posted on the government website yesterday, Jason Hayward said that he was referring the labour dispute to the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal for settlement.

The cause of the dispute is not known at this time. The Electricity Supply Trade Union, which represents the electricity supplier’s industrial and administrative employees, did not respond to requests for comment from this newspaper.

Mr Hayward also failed to respond to requests for comment.

Wayne Caines, the president of Belco, did issue a statement, but it provided no details on the reasons for the dispute.

Mr Caines said: “Belco’s dispute with the ESTU has been referred to the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal by the Minister of Economy and Labour.

“I am optimistic that the tribunal’s decision on these issues will enable us to continue to work together to provide a reliable supply of electricity.

“Belco’s legacy is built on a valued workforce and a customer-centric approach, and those guiding principles will not waver.

“While this tribunal is ongoing, we will respect the confidentiality of the parties involved and will not seek to resolve this matter through the press.“

Mr Hayward’s notice pointed out that any industrial action taken while the dispute is in arbitration would be unlawful.

The notice said: “In accordance with Section 87 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 2021, after the publication of this notice, any lockout, strike or irregular industrial action short of a strike is unlawful and any person who takes part in, incites or in any way encourages, persuades or influences any person to take part in, or otherwise acts in furtherance of, a lockout, strike or irregular industrial action short of a strike that is unlawful under this section shall be liable to a civil penalty as may be imposed by the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal.”