Buses are not running as a result of industrial action taken by drivers following the firing of a colleague.Service stopped at 4.20pm today.The Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) held a press conference to announce the work stoppage.Members took industrial action after the Department of Public Transport (DPT) fired a driver who worked for the department for 18 years.The driver called in sick but was discovered to be working at another job that same day.BIU president Chris Furbert said DTP management remained steadfast in its decision.He said the union made the decision to strike after learning Transport Minister Terry Lister supported the firing.“I cannot condone the driver's actions, but in the case of gross misconduct, a worker should be suspended, then fired. It's as clear as that,” Mr Furbert said.A Government spokesman this evening said the strike went against an agreement it entered into with the BIU last year."BIU officials announced a work stoppage this afternoon after talks broke down regarding the termination of an employee. The decision to uphold the disciplinary action was because the individual was working for an outside vendor on Public Transportation property for three days after calling in sick."The individual also forged the signature of that vendor for the three days. It should be noted that this person once before worked a subsequent job while on sick leave and, due to the years of service, was given a two-week suspension instead of the initial termination. This latest incident constitutes gross misconduct on the part of the employee and so the decision was made to terminate their employment."He continued: "Government worked with the BIU last year to forgive the Berkeley Performance Bond payment on the agreement that there would be no ‘wildcat' strikes without adhering to the collective bargaining agreement and giving 21 days' notice of industrial action. It seems the BIU has ignored this agreement and has inconvenienced commuters by withdrawing service with no notice.”