Beach crisis.

And it was accused of allowing a "festering sore'' to jeopardise the tourism industry.

The attack came from Mr. Geoff Parker, chairman of the National Liberal Party.

"If a dispute legally exists then it is necessary to bring the parties to the table for talks to resolve this apparent impasse,'' he said.

"Both parties must be made to understand that this is not some isolated instance as the players involved have the ability to adversely affect the livelihood of this community.'' The Bermuda Industrial Union, angered at the hotel's plan for a new worker-management contract, has vowed to strike once occupancy levels at Elbow Beach hit 70 percent.

Union leaders claim that flashpoint figure will be reached this weekend.

But BIU president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons declined to say when the threatened three-day strike would go ahead.

One union source said the strike would be over the April 24-25 weekend.

Yesterday Mr. Parker said the NLP was concerned about the strike threat hanging over the hotel and the Country.

"This is a destabilising situation which not only affects the Elbow Beach but ripples through the entire travel industry abroad, sending potential Bermuda-bound tourists elsewhere.'' Mr. Parker added: "We cannot allow this festering sore to spread to an already ravaged industry body and we call on the lethargic Bermuda Government to review its options, not for political expediency, but for the best interests of this Country.'' Labour laws, particularly on secret ballots for strike action, should be enforced, stressed Mr. Parker.

This would ensure fairness to those directly involved, especially the workers.

Mr. Parker went on: "If this situation is allowed to continue it could escalate beyond its present perceived boundaries and ruin any chance to improve the tourism picture.

"Government is called on to stop paying lip service and playing political games.

"It is time to govern and look after the interest of the majority.''