hoteliers that union-busting contracts were "inviting confrontation''.

"I hope the Government and the Hotel Employers of Bermuda and all others understand that busting the Bermuda Industrial Union is making no sense and that they will make no headway with it,'' the BIU president warned.

"All they're doing is inviting confrontation and making it difficult for what should be a good and profitable tourist season for the whole community.'' Mr. Simmons' statement came after a workers meeting on the Elbow Beach Hotel's move to sign workers to a non-union contract.

The contract offer was spiced with improvements that make it more attractive than the Haughton Award, which the remaining large hotels have pledged to sign.

Mr. Simmons was critical of the financial wherewithal that allowed Elbow to offer sweeteners such as profit-sharing, major medical coverage that includes doctor's visits and incentive bonuses.

There is "something smelly'' in the hotel industry, he said, given that large properties last year "cried wolf'' and declared a $12 million loss.

Despite the provocations, Mr. Simmons said yesterday's meeting ended with the resolution to avoid confrontation at the hotel and to avoid involving any other hotels "at this time''.

"Hopefully, no confrontation will be necessary at any time,'' he said. Union officers in the meantime will circulate a petition amongst Elbow workers asking them to say they want union representation, their union dues checked-off by the hotel and the implementation of the Haughton Award.

In addition, a letter is to be sent today to Elbow management stating worker's feelings.

Mr. Simmons said a letter had also been sent to the Labour Department reporting the situation at Elbow as a dispute.

The union leader said discussions yesterday concluded the workers were being used as scapegoats in what was seen as a hotel problem with Government legislation.

Many smaller members of the Hotel Employers of Bermuda have held off signing the Haughton Award because of problems with industry legislation.