staged an unofficial sick-out -- just 24 hours after unionised workers in the Government department called off strike action.

Although a 21-day strike notice was due to kick in today, trash collectors, Tynes Bay incinerator operators and other Works and Engineering department staff did turn up for work as promised after it was agreed that a number of unresolved disputes should go to arbitration.

But 11 out of 12 recycling staff failed to show -- forcing the plant to shut down for the day. Of the 11 absentees three staff did phone in sick but the remaining eight did not contact the office at all.

Last night a Government spokeswoman could not provide an explanation for the no-show and confirmed that an investigation into the matter was now being launched.

Staff in sick-out And the walkout also came as a complete surprise to Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott, who had spent the day in Cabinet meetings.

"You're telling me news,'' he said when contacted by The Royal Gazette last night.

"I will have to hear from the labour relations department before I can comment any further.'' On Monday night Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess confirmed that all Works and Engineering staff would be turning up for work as normal the following day.

He explained that BIU staff at the department had been on the verge of beginning strike action yesterday but called it off at the last minute after a temporary resolution to three long standing disputes had been found.

Last night Mr. Burgess could not be contacted to give his reasons for the walkout.

But there have been a number of disputes at the plant in recent months. Last January all 12 workers staged a walkout in protest at working conditions.

It is also understood that some staff members have concerns over pay.