The company at the centre of the Bermuda International Airport pay row today moved swiftly to reassure passengers, amid fears strike action could shut down the terminal.The Royal Gazette reported yesterday how furious security employees could walk out in a wrangle over pay and working hours.

One worker said some 50 staff from the Bermuda Security Group may strike if ongoing negotiations stall ? in a move staff claimed would ?close the airport down?.

Talks between union officials and management are currently in arbitration, although the dispute has been rumbling on for about 18 months.

But the president of the Bermuda Security Group said the company had plans in hand to ensure security operations continued in the event of any industrial action.

Herman Tucker said: ?Bermuda Security Group has, during the entire process, conducted its negotiations in good faith and has always sought a timely resolution. It is unfortunate we have had to resort to arbitration, which does delay a final outcome. However, due process is being followed.?

Mr. Tucker added: ?During this process our staff have continued to carry out their responsibilities at the airport in a professional and effective manner.

?However, in the event of industrial action, the company has contingency plans to ensure that airport security operations continue.?

Security workers, who deal with baggage and screen luggage at the terminal, claimed they were sick of working long hours for ?slave wages?.

One worker told how there was regularly one person carrying the workload of two or three staff, with luggage scans not given full attention as a result. She said staff were trying to avoid striking but could not rule it out at this stage. They would have to give 21 days? notice before any walk out.

Mr. Tucker confirmed that the Bermuda Industrial Union was representing Bermuda Security Group employees working at the St. George?s airport.

Talks between the union and management started in January 2004.

?In May 2004 the company requested assistance with the negotiations from the Department of Labour and Training in the form of mediation,? said the president.

?This assistance was provided, however, after numerous meetings the parties have not been able to reach agreement on several issues and both sides have agreed to refer the matter to arbitration.?

Mr. Tucker said he was hopeful of a speedy resolution. ?We are hopeful this is the final stage of deliberations and that an arbitrated settlement will be forthcoming soon,? he added.

Derrick Burgess, president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, has already said security bosses had ?not been as co-operative as most management are? in the pay talks. He confirmed there could be no strike during arbitration.