union representation.

He pointed an accusing finger at three employers -- Molly Maid, Gringley Construction and Moore & Moore Construction.

They had fired or laid off employees who sought to join a union, he claimed.

Mr. Burgess also lined up Southampton Princess top managers in his sights.

He said they had refused middle-level managers representation by the Bermuda Industrial Union.

"During recent months, Bermuda has experienced numerous incidents wherein workers have been denied legitimate rights as set out in Bermuda's Constitution; that is, the right to join the union of their choice.'' Mr. Burgess said Government had set up the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety to ensure workers were protected.

But the Ministry had their work cut out by anti-union employers.

"The hands of Government have been securely tied by employers who fear losing total control.'' Mr. Burgess' outburst was triggered by comments on the labour scene by Executive Director of the Bermuda Employers' Council, Malcolm Dixon.

And they followed moves by Labour Minister Quinton Edness to consider forcing employers to recognise requests for union representation.

Mr. Burgess said Mr. Dixon had asserted mechanisms were in place "which provide for voluntary recognition''.

But, stressed Mr. Burgess, Mr. Dixon had neglected to mention such mechanisms did not work.

"As a result, employers such as Molly Maid, Gringley Construction and Moore & Moore Construction simply refuse their workers the right to join the union of their choice.

"And in all of these cases, workers who requested union representation were simply displaced by lay-offs or dismissals -- all in a deliberate attempt to ensure that employers maintain complete control.

"More recently, top management at the Southampton Princess Hotel has refused middle level managers the right to be represented by the Bermuda Industrial Union, even though top management at that hotel enjoy representation by their union, the Hotel Employers of Bermuda.'' Mr. Burgess said the BIU had a duty and responsibility to ensure workers' rights were protected.

"And Mr. Dixon's role, as the legitimate representative of employers is to ensure that the control currently tightly held by employers, is maintained.

"Therefore, our organisations are automatically at opposite ends.'' Mr. Burgess said Mr. Dixon had also stated that "under the Constitution of Bermuda, a trade union can take legal proceedings against an employer who refuses the right of employees to be represented...''.

But, added Mr. Burgess, Mr. Dixon had failed to mention employers all too often appealed to Government for help -- not the courts.

"Their appeals have led to relief on employment taxes for hotels and restaurants during the winter season, tax breaks on refurbishments for hotels and heightened Customs duties to travellers to protect retail businesses.

"Government has finally suggested some form of relief for workers of this Country, but unconcerned and uncaring employers are making a last stand to ensure that they are the only protected class.'' Mr. Burgess appreciated Mr. Edness' "attempts to legislate recognition and derecognition of trade unions''.

"He obviously recognises the limitations of his office without such legislation and is simply trying to make the playing field level.'' Last night neither Mr. Dixon nor regional vice-president of Princess Hotels Stephen Barker could not be reached for comment.

Mr. Edness said he had referred the issue of union recognition and "decertification'' -- along with other matters -- to a sub-committee of the Labour Advisory Council.

"When I have a recommendation from them I will take the matter to Cabinet and discuss it with my colleagues.

"And depending on Cabinet's position, I will then put out the issue for public consumption.''