of a hotel strike to force the Grotto Bay to introduce the mandatory gratuity system when questioned in Hamilton yesterday.

But just eight out of 28 people asked were prepared to speak on the record about the dispute between Government and the hotel. Six were opposed to the strike threat, one favoured it and one said Government should enforce the board's ruling but disagreed with the threat.

Corporation of Hamilton employee Mr. William Easton said the BIU should "get back to the bargaining table'' instead of threatening industrial action.

"I do not go for it myself,'' he said. "Grotto Bay is no longer affiliated with the Hotel Employers of Bermuda so why should they strike.

"They should get back the bargaining table or take them to court if they have to.'' Fisherman Mr. Burnell Spurling said the hotel should be allowed to hire who it liked and said Government should set the minimum wage for hotel employees.

"They should be able to hire who they like as long as they do not underpay.

But to put the whole Island on the rocks is ridiculous. And as soon as those 40 spineless MPs come to their senses the better.

"The only one with any guts is Harry Viera.'' But plumber Mr. Wayne Hollis said it was up to Government to ensure the hotel adhered to the ruling.

"I think Government should do something about it,' he said. "If Government implemented the board, then it is Government's job to ensure its findings are carried out.

"I think the strike threat is something to bring attention and to show the need for a settlement because of the economy and if the employees are working at a disadvantage, why should they be,'' he asked.

Marketing executive Ms Gay Robinson said: "I am running out of patience with the union holding the Country to ransom.

"The economy speaks for itself and people are afraid to enough to spend the little money they have.'' Bermuda-born visitor Mrs. Dianna Dill Darrid said although she was a long-time union member in the United States, she disagreed with the BIU's stand.

"I think it would be too bad if there was a strike. Bermuda is in enough trouble with tourism already and although I am fervent union member in the US, I do not agree with the BIU being so adamant on this issue, particularly in a time of recession.'' A hotel strike in HEB properties would have no effect on the Grotto Bay, said businessman Mr. Ronnie Viera.

"The Grotto Bay is separate from the HEB and I do not think the other hotels should have industrial action against them. The BIU has recourse to the courts but for some reason or another they do not choose to take that course.'' "Mr. Simmons is very unwise to do this because we are not yet up to par in the hotels compared to the last couple of years,'' said salesperson Ms Laetitia Parfitt.

"The threat of a strike is just not going to cut it,'' she said. "I do not agree. The union should not do this in the summer.'' Bermuda Electric Light Company employee Mr. Sinclair Binns also said threatening Hotel Employers of Bermuda properties seemed unwise when Grotto Bay had left the organisation.

But he said it was up to the Government to enforce the ruling or the BIU should take the hotel to court. "That's a better alternative than a strike,'' he said, adding it should be settled quickly.

"It is tying up too much space in the paper,'' he said.

Ms. Gay Robinson Mr. Sinclair Binns Mr. Wayne Hollis Mrs. Diana Dill Darrid Mr. Ronnie Viera.