Workers at Bermuda General Agency (BGA) held a sit in yesterday to complain about the firing of a long-standing employee for taking an unauthorised holiday.

Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess said the company had refused o discuss the issue with the union.

He said the sacked woman had put in a request for two week's holiday according to company rules but had been refused in favour of a newer employee.

She then took five days holiday,said Mr. Burgess,and the company dismissed her despite her 34 years of service.

"Seniority prevails," said Mr. Burgess.

"Our people have been down there but no progress has been made.

"Whenever there is a dispute we try to get it sorted right away. If it isn't, the workers will have to do what they have to do."

Mr. Burgess said he didn't know how long yesterday's sit in lasted or how many workers had taken part.

Yesterday afternoon The Royal Gazette visited the site but found workers back on the job.

BGA owner Wendall Brown was off the Island yesterday while CEO John Tomlinson refused to take media inquiries.

Last year 20 staff were ordered to leave the company's Pembroke warehouse after heated negotiations between management and unions.