Garbage piled up across the Island yesterday as an industrial dispute suspended collection services.

Refuse site staff are said to have downed tools at Tynes Bay and Marsh Folly in protest at the sacking of two workers, leading to a stoppage in collection.

Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert was unavailable for comment last night but union representatives are to meet with Government this morning in an attempt to resolve the issue.

A Ministry of Works and Engineering spokesman said last night: "The matter has been referred to the Labour Relations Office and it is hoped that there will be expeditious resolution.

"The Ministry is gravely concerned that the public has been inconvenienced and is striving to resolve the dispute in a timely manner, in order to minimise the impact on the health and safety of the public and the environment."

In the meantime, the public is asked to move their trash bags to "a secure location on their property", or deposit them at the Tynes Bay Public Drop-off Facility, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Government spokesman added recycling collections will remain unaffected.