the Island's hotels to discuss action aimed at solving disputes with management.

And the meeting will come only hours after the union meets workers from Sonesta Beach who are concerned after recent redundancies and the suspension of a chambermaid.

BIU President Mr. Ottiwell Simmons said: "Hotel workers generally are very, very disenchanted. There is a general feeling that working in the hotels is just not worth it.'' Mr. Simmons will meet with the shop stewards on Tuesday to discuss the formation of a planning group.

The group will then organise a plan of action against hotel management to get them to sign an agreement in line with the Houghton Report's recommendations.

Mr. Simmons added that the group will also attempt to recover gratuities which should have been paid to staff.

But the union faces the more immediate concern about Sonesta Beach, in Southampton.

In January, eight housekeeping supervisors were made redundant by the hotel management. And more recently a chambermaid was suspended.

Mr. Simmons said: "Tuesday's meeting will discuss the matters with respect to the so-called redundancies and the consequences of the suspension of the chambermaid.'' He is particularly concerned over a lengthy document produced by the hotel containing job descriptions for chambermaids. He said: "It includes a number of chores that are not normally expected of a chambermaid. The document was produced without consultation with the union.

"The chores are those which would normally be done by the dismissed supervisors or by housemen.

"It seems like the hotel is trying to get rid of the supervisors while leaving others to do the extra duties on top of what they have always done.

"They want the staff to be jack of all trades and masters of none, rather than having workers specialising.

"This will make `the product' less efficient and will put undue strain on a number of people. I am concerned about the hotel.'' Mr. Simmons said he wants to talk to the staff and management at Sonesta Beach. He is sure management will be "rational and reasonable'' about the situation.

Hotel managing director Mr. David Boyd was not available to comment on the meeting yesterday.

However a letter was sent to The Royal Gazette from an employee who claimed the chambermaid was suspended for abusive language.