The Corporation of Hamilton has lost an appeal over a ballot that saw its workers vote in favour of union representation ? but Mayor Lawson Mapp yesterday hinted that the dispute may not be over.

Workers voted by 39 to 37 in November in favour of the Bermuda Industrial Union representing them but the Corporation lodged complaints about the ballot with the Ministry of Labour, challenging the outcome. Mr. Mapp claimed in an interview last month that union officials had entered Corporation property without permission and intimidated workers ahead of the vote. understands that one of the other grounds for the complaint was a dispute over a Labour Relations Officer?s mistaken original verdict that the union had lost the ballot, which was later reversed by the Labour Department. When the Corporation complained about the conduct of the ballot to the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, the Attorney General?s Chambers was consulted for advice.

However, the Ministry this week notified both parties that the vote in favour of BIU representation was valid and the Corporation appeal was denied

President of the BIU Derrick Burgess said: ?We?re glad it is over. We knew all along that we followed the correct procedures as laid down by law and that we won the vote. Now we just want to get on with the business of negotiating for those workers.?

However, Mr. Mapp revealed that the Corporation is seeking further legal advice on the matter. ?I?m under advisement not to disclose anything right now as there?s no sense rubbing salt in the wound. We said from the very outset we had no problems with our men wanting to be represented but it was was the process that was followed that was my beef. That?s with the lawyers, and we are waiting for advice,? he said.