Union workers will this morning descend on the Bermuda Industrial Union's headquarters after demanding a meeting with union bosses.

The call for a mass meeting follows an Island-wide walk-out yesterday by hundreds of BIU workers after a simmering dispute over union recognition at two dry-cleaning shops erupted at Hamilton docks and spread to other union divisions.

And the move means that the bus service and probably the ferry service will be disrupted again today.

BIU President Derrick Burgess said last night: "All I can tell you right now is that the members have requested that officials attend an important meeting....with an agenda to discuss the future of the workers in Bermuda and the future of the union.'' But last night Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness appealed for calm and warned the action by port and hotels workers was illegal.

Mr. Edness said: "In the interest of the Country, I have asked the Bermuda Industrial Union leaders to ask their members to return to work and conform with the law forthwith. I have also suggested binding arbitration or a meeting in a tribunal to resolve the matter.'' It is understood the walk-out took union chiefs by surprise and could herald a crisis in the BIU.

Mr. Burgess added the meeting was for all members -- and that he expected there would be a very high turnout.

Around 400 workers marched on the BIU's Hamilton HQ last night and milled around outside prior to a mass meeting.

The marchers included bus drivers and mechanics, Government's Marine and Ports workers, Works and Engineering employees, Post Office workers and employees of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

From the private sector, workers from Holmes, Williams and Purvey, Belco, Telco and hotel employees from the St. George's Club, Southampton Princess and Marriott Castle Harbour took part in the wildcat action.

Most refused to discuss the dispute -- but one middle-aged man said: "They've pushed us too far. We want the right to join a union for all workers and respect for workers. If trouble is what it takes, that's what they'll get.'' Trouble broke out yesterday after dockworkers employed by Stevedoring Services Ltd. refused to handle eight containers destined for Dunkley's Dairy, claiming the firm was linked to Stephen Thomson, the businessman who bought over the two shops, Hamilton Valcleaners and Paget Dry Cleaners.

But The Royal Gazette understands that Mr. Thomson has no interest in the dairy -- and never has had.

Dairy chief Steve Dunkley has a minority interest on a personal basis in Mr.

Thomson's organisation.

In addition to Hamilton Valcleaners and the Paget shop, Mr. Thomson also owns laundry firm Just Shirts and Mailboxes Unlimited.

The dairy firm obtained a court injunction for the containers to be moved after the dockworkers dug their heels in.

That was the signal for workers to begin congregating along the docks on Front Street, while others demonstrated outside Hamilton Valcleaners in Bermudiana Road.

One stevedore -- who asked not to be named -- confirmed an injunction had been delivered to Stevedoring Services.

He added that the firm had been told a ban would be placed on cargo related to Mr. Thomson's businesses -- and that a walk-out was on the cards if it was handled.

The stevedore said: "We had a list of all the hot cargo made up and Dunkley's Dairy was on it.

And he said other workers had joined in after the dockworkers walked out because "they promised to watch our backs.'' The dispute began after Mr. Thomson took over the two shops. He said he had bought out the premises and equipment, not the existing businesses, and the 22 workers employed by the previous owners had been laid off prior to his taking over.

Mr. Thomson stressed that he had offered all the workers jobs under the non-union terms and conditions of his business and that all had accepted.

But he added one, a shop steward under the previous owners, had been laid off due to a downturn in business -- but with a pledge of re-employment when things improved.

Wildcat strike hits Bermuda Mr. Thomson said that he had never been approached by the BIU about union recognition at the two shops -- which were now legally different companies.

And he added that a collective agreement said to be in force under the two shops' previous owner had never in fact been signed.

Yesterday Mr. Edness called an urgent meeting with Government legal advisors and labour relations experts.

He said afterwards that Mr. Thomson, who could not be contacted by The Royal Gazette last night, had done nothing illegal.

And Mr. Edness added that he understood that Mr. Thomson had now received a BIU letter asking that he recognise a ballot on union representation and that he understood the businessman was considering his position.

Mr. Edness said: "The principle driving the the union is that they are looking for recognition to be given.

"There is no method in this Country for a majority of people in a work unit to cause a ballot to be taken.'' Mr. Edness said it had been practice in the past for employers to allow union ballots -- but the situation had changed in recent times.

And he added: "There is no law to make an employer hold a ballot, although constitutionally everyone should have the right of representation.

"We are trying to work on this but we can't do anything unless the workers go back to work.'' He said industrial action was illegal in essential services and industries without 21 days notice.

And Mr. Edness added: "This sort of thing can't continue and we shouldn't be doing things now to threaten the Island's economy.

"We are at the beginning of our new season and I wouldn't wish us to do anything which will affect the welfare of Bermudians and their families.''