recently-formed Trade Union Congress, sparking rumours that they fear the new Caribbean body could be a rival power base.

George De Peana, the general secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, had flown in to persuade them, but talks collapsed after two hours yesterday.

He said: "The BIU are upset because they claim they weren't involved in the final stages of creating the TUC.

"I've flown in from Barbados to try and persuade them to join and I'd come again if I thought I could get them on board.'' One union insider, who was at the negotiations, said: "Mr. De Peana asked them straight `What do you want?' but he still couldn't get an answer. In the end he had to call a halt...'' One theory is that the 6,000-strong BIU are worried the TUC would weaken their power. The TUC was set up in April, but had been in limbo until the BIU could be brought on board.

But after yesterday's aborted meeting the source said: "We can't delay forever. I think we should go ahead with it. We've waited for years for this.

We don't want to leave it another 20 years. But if we don't have the BIU in, we won't be as strong. I don't understand their problem. All the unions worked together to provide input on the trade unions.'' Mr. De Peana urged the BIU leaders rethink and said the TUC was needed to talk to government and promote education.

The 5,000-strong body includes the BPSA, BUT, the Prison Officers Association, the Fire Service and Police Associations.

Mr. Burgess wouldn't comment.

BUT general secretary Michael Charles said it was important to get the BIU on board.