yesterday as 15 union members were arrested for obstruction offences.

Arrests were made two at a time, with six Police officers responsible for each.

Bermuda Industrial Union members refused to be daunted in their fight and reserves were called in to pick up the slack.

Cries that workers' rights were being infringed and that Bermuda had become "a Police-state'' were heard from many union supporters, angered by the turn of events.

"I thought people had rights in this country,'' said BIU president Mr.

Ottiwell Simmons, "the right to strike, the right to picket, the right to peacefully demonstrate. If they're going to deny those rights, the establishment should be before the courts, not the Kenyetta Youngs.'' The union's construction division organiser, Mr. Young was the first to be arrested yesterday morning after Police declared the picketing illegal.

The line was broken up by officers but resumed two hours later when Mr.

Simmons arrived on the scene. Moments later, the paddy wagons arrived.

"I do not believe (the arrests are) a totally legal and proper thing for Police to do,'' he told the picketers. "I would not move anybody into a situation that I know is illegal. Police here have no indication whether what they are doing is legal or illegal.'' He added that he had given the officers every opportunity to arrest him, joining the picketers for a good part of the afternoon.

"I don't believe they are acting at their discrimination or on their own political accord,'' he said. "They're acting from powers above. Right now they're being selective, choosing tokens. If they picked two, they should've picked all.'' Police spokesperson Sgt. John Dale said the 15 persons were arrested for "obstruction offences in connection with picketing.'' He said they were released on $350 bail and ordered to appear at Hamilton Police Station at various times over the next two weeks.

When asked why only some of those picketing were arrested, he said: "I don't know. I wasn't there.'' Departing tourists yesterday said they had been only slightly inconvenienced by the strike.

"We came in to the airport relatively easily,'' said a New York couple.

"We're more concerned about the disturbance causing a problem than any effects on us. We think they should just bring the (15 workers) back on and settle it. If the strike goes on for long, people may be warned off the Island and it may take months to re-establish their confidence.'' A Minnesota visitor said: "Yesterday was much slower. They were doing a slow walk and allowing only one or two cars to enter every three minutes. I believe it would only affect the tourists if it crippled the air service.'' Mr. Simmons said for the most part, Police were doing a good job.

"I just don't think they (Police) understand. How can it be illegal? They should have seminars and teach Police what people can and cannot do. We're hoping that the rest of the workers in Bermuda will see the type of harassment we've been subject to today.

"This is consistent with my earlier prediction that they're trying to bust the union. We have an obligation to unionised workers.'' He said the workers would return to the site today.

"So will we,'' shouted a Police officer.