operators staged a 90-minute sit-in and refused to answer calls.

Supervisers began meeting with the operators yesterday to discuss their concerns, thought to revolve around the shift-pattern drawn up for June.

The operators had staged the protest on Monday night.

It is understood a new operator may have been placed on the night shift, which offers overtime, while more experienced staff were on standard pay for the day shift.

BTC spokeswoman Karla Lacey-Minors would not confirm details.

But she said: "It's the company's mandate to provide quality customer services and we are working to do that in a rapidly changing environment.

"The issues that we are addressing in order to provide services are sometimes controversial and impact on our people. We are working with our staff on the issues as they arise.'' Bermuda Industrial Union President Derrick Burgess said: "The problems will hopefully be sorted out internally.''