have been snubbed by Government, the industry claimed yesterday.

And courier firm owners said three possible solutions to the industrial relations impasse at the Airport have been knocked back by Customs officials.

Representatives from the firms said thousands of urgent items had piled up after three Customs officers started a work-to-rule on Friday in protest over working conditions.

Lawyer Tim Marshall, who represents all four local courier firms, warned that if the dispute drags on much longer, business will be seriously affected.

He said the four firms -- United Parcel Service, Federal Express, DHL World Wide Express and International Bonded Couriers -- had suggested transferring the goods to a disused warehouse on the former US Base, taking it to the Front Street Customs shed for processing, or taking it to a single location in Hamilton for inspection by other officers.

IBC president Glen Smith said: "Every package which is coming into Bermuda is stuck at the Airport -- and there is no way the two-hour window they gave us to clear it is anywhere near sufficient.'' Industry chiefs also claimed Customs officers were now opening every item of mail, rather than a random selection, slowing the clearing process even further.

Customs Mr. Marshall said: "The mails are stacking up there to the point that everything is just going to grind to a halt unless there is intervention by Government and the Collector of Customs.'' IBC's Robert Railton added: "It's becoming a huge logistical problem. We hold ourselves up as a sophisticated international centre. Right now, as a result of this, we are looking more like a third world country and that's embarrassing.'' Mr. Marshall said a new facility -- just east of the current run-down shed -- had been offered by Government but was still the subject of negotiation.

Collector of Customs Gerry Ardis said it was against the law to clear dutiable items outside a designated Customs area, which ruled out temporary arrangements outside the Airport.

He added: "The Customs officers have agreed to try and process the courier packages in the baggage hall and they are quite within their rights to do that.'' And Mr. Ardis said it was routine to check every package, although he admitted he was unaware if Customs officers were opening more than usual.