Bermuda Industrial Union chief Mr. Ottiwell Simmons said the vote was by a crushing majority of the approximately 200 hotel workers who attended the meeting.

Industrial action would take place "some time'' next month, he warned.

But the unionised workers' decision was immediately condemned by enraged hotel bosses.

Hotel Employers of Bermuda executive officer Mr. John Harvey accused the BIU of trying to "coerce'' Government.

"If they can't have their own way they threaten a strike, conduct a petition or have a march. I think it is very, very irresponsible.'' Mr. Harvey feared the strike vote could damage tourism -- just when the season was getting underway.

"I think it will upset the entire community.'' The dispute is over 1992 gratuities the BIU claims are owed workers.

Union chiefs also want hotels within the HEB to sign a collective bargaining agreement with them.

The last HEB-BIU agreement expired in 1991. There have already been two hearings into the dispute.

About 200 workers turned up at BIU headquarters yesterday for a two-hour meeting.

Afterwards, Mr. Simmons said the workers had backed Government's decision to send the row to the Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board.

But he was worried about a "threat'' by HEB lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch to sabotage the April 19 hearing by taking the row to court.

As a result, hotel employees decided to strike "some time in April,'' announced Mr. Simmons.

"The workers voted overwhelmingly by secret ballot in favour of a strike.'' He added: "I have been instructed by the members to say that the strike will not be necessary if the board is formally convened for 9.30 a.m. on April 19, 1994, without any interruptions or threats from the HEB.'' Mr. Simmons declined to say how many voted to strike.

"It was overwhelming. This was one of the largest and best meetings we have ever had.'' Mr. Simmons accused employers of flouting the law by not paying 1992 gratuities.

"The hotels are acting irresponsibly,'' he said.

Mr. Harvey, however, mounted a blistering attack on the union.

"What we need is maturity and commonsense in the community. It is time the union grew up.'' Mr. Harvey said he was unsurprised by the strike vote -- although immensely disappointed.

It was time someone stood up against the union and declared: "Enough is enough.'' Mr. Harvey said the HEB had written to Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman, urging him to reconsider the decision to refer the dispute to the board. But the HEB had not yet received a reply.

"Until we get a response we won't know what our next move will be.'' Mr. Pearman has said he is awaiting legal advice before replying.

Mr. Harvey, however, hit back: "I find ironic he has referred the dispute to the board without waiting for such legal advice.

"His decision seems to have pre-empted that advice -- something I find extremely difficult to understand.'' Last night Mr. Pearman pledged the April 19 hearing at Cathedral Church Hall would go ahead.

The parties had been informed about the hearing -- the only possible "impediment'' was the threat of taking the issue to court, he said.

Mr. Pearman said the board would be chaired by Mr. Arnold Zack.

Mr. Gordon Asbury and Senate President the Hon. Albert Jackson would be board members.