Construction bosses are on a concerted and calculated mission to decrease the numbers of workers who are members of the Bermuda Industrial Union, a top union official has claimed.

Derrick Burgess president of the BIU, said unionised workers are being laid off even though construction owners continue to bid for contracts at union wage rates.

Mr. Burgess said: "There is a concerted effort to take the unions out. They don't want to be dealing with any unions. They just want bigger profits.

"They have people out there frightened even to come to the union because they are worried that they will lose their job. That should never be in any country.

"Bermuda is supposed to be a free society protected by the constitution but workers are unable to exercise those rights.'' Construction Association of Bermuda president Al Wharton said he was unaware of any firm within his organisation laying off unionised workers simply because they are BIU members.

"From time to time you probably hear conversations between either workers or businesses,'' he said.

"I suppose in a situation where a firm is bidding for a job and competition is tight, paying time and a half or double time is less attractive if one can also find workers who will work for straight time.

"I suppose that looks more attractive to the business owner but I cannot speak for any construction firm outside of the Construction Association of Bermuda. Among our members I cannot say I have heard that topic come up.''