More bus cancellations are expected today following a mass sick out which crippled 50 routes across the Island yesterday.

Public Transportation Board Director Dan Simmons said last night it was too early to say which routes would be affected, but he promised updates when information became available.

He said: "Although our buses are running according to schedule, the earliest we can anticipate notifying the public about cancellations and delays is tomorrow morning.

"As a result I would advise the public wherever possible to make alternate travel arrangements, such as car pooling, minibuses or ferries."

He noted that more than two dozen bus operators had called in sick yesterday which led to the cancellation of 50 scheduled bus routes.

"We are experiencing unusually higher than normal numbers of bus operators calling in sick," said Mr. Simmons.

"Unfortunately, we have no control over reported sickness and will maintain maximum service with the operators who are available.

"I am acutely aware that this has been a major inconvenience to the public.

"As we cannot say when the work to rule action will conclude, the PTB will continue to update the public daily regarding the runs that may be affected. Once again we apologise for any inconvenience."

Garbage collectors have also joined the action. Residents who did not have their trash picked up on Monday or yesterday should put it out today.

The action began on Friday in protest about missing back pay following a new wage agreement dated back to January 1. The union says the arbitrated pay award from November should have been paid before Christmas but Government blames the union for not signing the agreement.

Government has promised the money will be paid tomorrow.

Asked if the action would escalate Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess said: "I don't know, I am not even aware of the sick out; you are telling me."

Asked if there was anything Government could do to avert the action Mr. Burgess said: "That's something you will have to ask the Government, I could not answer."