Workers alleging unfair dismissal after they were sacked by the Corporation of Hamilton are preparing for a legal fight — saying that the Bermuda Industrial Union failed to go to bat on their behalf.

“They’re just looking for an excuse to get rid of staff,” said Robert Lee, a sanitation driver fired in July after six years’ work. “They say they’re trimming the fat.”

Mr Lee joined three other unionised staff who lost their jobs and felt that the BIU neglected to fight their case, forcing them to consult lawyers to take it further.

The group maintained that management singled out certain workers by provoking frustration and branding all infractions as gross misconduct.

Delmair Trott, formerly a machine operator for the engineering department, told The Royal Gazette he had fought his case for three years, and had been approved for reinstatement by the Corporation — but got turned away by management.

“I was there 14 years; it’s sad,” Mr Trott said. “I can understand dismissal on many grounds, but there’s a protocol. I was told I was a really good worker, but they still let me go.”

They were joined by Gareth Beam, who said he was dismissed from Parks in October 2015 after 18 years — and had thus far been unable to get management to meet with the labour board — as well as sanitation worker Gregory Wainwright, fired in September 2015 after 15 years.

The four claimed there had been a “repercussions” after staff joined the BIU in 2008.

“We’re trying to get union help first of all and they keep pushing us to the side,” Mr Lee said.

“All we want is their help to get a fair shot.”

Chris Furbert, president of the BIU, declined to comment in advance of this article, but said he would consider responding at a later date.