with Government involving new hospital unrest.

Both the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Bermuda Public Services Associations have called for urgent meetings with Labour Minister Paula Cox -- and last night refused to say why.

But The Royal Gazette understands that both rows may centre on simmering disputes and unrest among staff at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Yesterday, however, leaders of both organisations declined to discuss what the problems are -- or which sectors are involved.

The BIU's Derrick Burgess said: "I don't want to divulge what it is at this time for fear it may not work out properly.

"I would like to give the employers involved a chance to deal with it before we go public.'' And he was echoed by Bermuda Public Services Association general secretary Ed Ball Jr.

Mr. Ball said: "I can't really say anything -- I've been sworn to silence on this and I have to respect that.'' The BIU represents auxiliary workers at the hospital, while the BPSA looks after the interests of nursing and administrative staff.

Ms Cox told the Labour Day rally on Monday that trouble-free labour relations could not be expected -- even under a Progressive Labour Party Government.

And she said that both the BIU and BPSA had called for urgent meetings with her over the weekend. The meetings are set to take place later this week.

Ms Cox could not be contacted for comment last night.

Shadow Labour Minister Michael Dunkley, however, blasted the secrecy surrounding negotiations.

He said: "The Government owes an obligation to the people to keep the people informed -- and that's one of the things that concerns me most about the PLP Government.'' Mr. Dunkley added: "I know of some issues which are out there -- but the Minister was a bit coy in how she framed it in her speech so I don't know what specifically she's talking about.

And, until she develops it a bit more, I can't really say much.'' But Mr. Burgess said that low-key negotiations were the norm -- particularly at the start of talks.

And he added: "It's none of Mr. Dunkley's business -- he doesn't run the Government. We don't have any secrets -- no matter who I'm meeting, we don't publicise it when it's a problem we're just starting to deal with.

GOVERNMENT GVT HOSPITAL HOS