A dispute between bus operators and the Department of Public Transport has been sent to arbitration.

The row flared up on Monday after drivers took time off work to get tested for the Covid-19 virus.

They said it had been agreed that they would be allowed to remain absent until their test results had been received.

But managers subsequently warned that wages would be docked for any operators who did not return to work immediately after having a test.

Bus operators, represented by the Bermuda Industrial Union, went back to work on Thursday after being absent for two days over the disagreement.

The end of the walkout came after Wayne Furbert, the acting minister of labour, called in a labour disputes tribunal to resolve the matter.

Under labour regulations, employees cannot take any form of industrial action once a dispute has gone to arbitration.

Lawrence Scott, the minister of transport, declined to comment on the dispute.