Government calls for hoteliers to make peace with the Bermuda Industrial Union.

Mr. W.A. (Toppy) Cowen had one answer to the appeals: "It's all too late.'' He said the hotel would not go back on its decision to sever links with the Bermuda Industrial Union.

In the House of Assembly last Friday, Government sent out a plea for goodwill in the hotel industry.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said the hotel industry faced serious problems.

"I hope everybody will try to pull together,'' he appealed.

Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness voiced dismay at the state of labour relations and warned the Country would be in "serious trouble'' if fears of another hotel closure were realised. See story on Page 4.

But Mr. Cowen said yesterday: "We are on a path now, which is quite clear, and we are determined to follow it. There's no going back.'' Mr. Cowen revealed he had received a letter from BIU president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons.

The letter accused Pink Beach management of trampling on human rights, and flouting the law.

"It was full of legal terminology, and no more than I would expect,'' said Mr. Cowen.

Mr. Cowen said he did not take the letter as a threat, adding he had not paid it much notice.

"It won't sway my mind, but it does, however, warrant a response,'' he added.

Mr. Cowen said he had not heard from Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman.

Last week Mr. Pearman said Government, as an honest broker, would be setting up a meeting with Pink Beach management.

"I would be quite willing to meet him,'' said Mr. Cowen.

New contracts, which replaced the collective bargaining agreement between the BIU and the Hotel Employers of Bermuda, have now been signed by 90 employees, he said.

This leaves just 14 workers - three of whom have been away -- to sign.

Those who sign will automatically receive a five percent pay rise, retroactive to May 24, 1991.