hotel workers.

Hotel chiefs are fighting moves to pay workers gratuity increases for 1992.

But the Bermuda Industrial Union is hoping to thwart them.

The row centres on interpretation of a January ruling by the Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board.

The board handed down the 1991-94 contract agreement between the Hotel Employers of Bermuda and the BIU after more than two years of wrangling.

Thousands of hotel workers are governed by the contract, which has not yet been signed.

Management and union leaders disagree over board chairman Professor Ronald Haughton's decision over tips for 1992.

Once the issue is cleared up, it is thought the contract will be signed.

At a special Board meeting in April it was agreed the wording of the Board's ruling on gratuities was ambiguous.

Nevertheless, the Board decided the 25 cents tips increase for 1993 and 1994 should also include 1992.

The HEB, however, is fighting that decision.

And it will thrash out its arguments next month at another Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board hearing.

Government's labour relations officer Mr. Edwin Wilson said the meeting would be at Cathedral Hall.

Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman said: "As far as I know the meeting will be for clarification over the gratuities issue.''