recycling centre in Devonshire.

Twelve full-time staff left the premises on Monday and refused to return to work, in protest at wages being paid to four new part-time workers who started on the same day.

They still refused to return to work after negotiations, and eventually the Works and Engineering Ministry decided to close the centre until the dispute is solved.

And last night a Government spokesman said recycling officials were locked in talks with the workers at the Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters.

The spokesman apologised to residents who they asked to hold their recyclable garbage until further notice.

She said the new workers, two of whom are college students, had been hired until the end of August to assist with clearing a backlog of recyable items.

They continued to work after the full-time staff walked out and are understood to be happy with their pay.

The spokesman said the pay was fair under the Government's "Make Work Initiative'' policy.

Residents will be informed when collection of recyclables is to resume. In the meantime people are advised to ensure the items are washed to discourage insects and rodents.

The dispute is not the first at the centre, back in 1996 workers threatened an overtime ban over job security and rates of pay. But they backed down after assurances were given over privatisation and wages.