The Bermuda Industrial Union paid some CableVision staff for time lost in its recent dispute which expanded into a national strike, an insider has revealed.

The gift has been applauded by recipients but attacked by employers who fear it will encourage future strikers.

One of the strikers said around half a dozen of her customer care colleagues had been given a cheque by BIU Vice President Chris Furbert after the strike was over.

CableVision workers came out in support of sacked senior technician David Green on October 12. The 4,000-strong BIU made the strike Island-wide the following week as transport ground to a halt for three days.

The source told The Royal Gazette they had not expected the money, which amounted to about half of their lost earnings, but they were very grateful for the gesture from the BIU.

It's understood the customer care workers tried to cash the money at CableVision who refused to co-operate.

The CableVision striker said: "It was a little something for being out of work. They knew we girls stood firm. It's just a little gift. We weren't anticipating it.

"When everybody received it, it was kind of a surprise. We were very grateful and thankful for the union. They didn't have to do this. At first we weren't going to accept it."

Bermuda Employers Council president Eddie Saints said it was up to the union how they spent their money but he questioned whether members knew about the payment and whether they were happy about it.

He said: “The Bermuda Employers' Council's position is that the government and employers should not be paying strikers, it will only encourage them to feel free to strike in future as there is no consequence.

“The BIU needs to be very careful because it is setting a precedent for themselves.”

He said all strikers might be demanding strike pay in the future.

BIU president Derrick Burgess is off the Island while vice president Chris Furbert could not be reached for comment.