Legal teeth could be implanted in Government's new disputes settlement board, Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman disclosed yesterday.

The board's findings could be made enforceable following the Grotto Bay Hotel tipping wrangle, he said.

"That is definitely one of the options being discussed,'' he said.

Mr. Pearman also fired off broadsides at both Grotto Bay management, and the Bermuda Industrial Union.

He sharply rebuked hotel bosses for ignoring the disputes board's ruling. And he also criticised the BIU for not pursuing the matter through the courts.

Last week the Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board came down on the union's side in the tipping row.

It told Grotto Bay to restore the system of mandatory gratuities scrapped on January 1. But the hotel rejected the finding.

Mr. Pearman yesterday said he was "extremely disappointed'' at the turn of events.

"The hotel owners are the very people who have been clamouring for stability in our most important industry and yet, when a vehicle is found to provide that stability, it is rejected.

"I believe they should accept the board's award. I am also critical of the union.

"If the union wishes the ruling enforced, it can and should seek the assistance of the courts.'' Mr. Pearman said the hotel could also seek the guidance of the courts over the board's jurisdiction.

"Historically when there is a dispute involving an essential service both parties have accepted the findings of an arbitrator,'' he added.

"Government did not build into the new legislation measures to make it legally enforceable. We thought both parties would abide by decisions.'' Mr. Pearman is discussing with colleagues and the Attorney General's Department ways of resolving future disputes.

He admitted enforceability was one option, but declined to comment on any others.