yesterday.

Mr. David Boyd, the hotel's managing director, said the redundancies were part of a reorganisation of the housekeeping department. Now, maids would report directly to salaried middle managers, he said.

Some of the supervisors -- known as floor managers or inspectresses -- had worked at the hotel for 30 years.

"It certainly was not an easy decision,'' Mr. Boyd told The Royal Gazette .

"We had some very senior people in that position.

"But this reorganisation we feel very strongly about.'' Mr. Ottiwell Simmons MP, president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, said the Sonesta's action was "very harsh.'' "I'm quite concerned about this,'' Mr. Simmons said. "He's apparently seized the opportunity while the hotel is almost closed (for winter). Most of the people are on layoffs.'' Asked if the action was legal under the contract with the BIU, Mr. Simmons said: "Cruel punishment is not permitted under the collective agreement.'' He was attempting to meet with the workers who lost their jobs, he said. Mr.

Boyd said the move was not intended to cut costs and would add to the hotel's bottom line. "It's a move to push the standards of housekeeping excellence,'' he said.

At least seven new salaried positions would be created under the reorganisation, he said. Hiring was under way, but the floor supervisors did not have the qualifications for those jobs.

Severance pay based on experience was paid, he said. One of the supervisors "has expressed interest in a maid's position,'' he said. "We feel we'll likely be able to make that available.'' Other supervisors could take maid jobs as openings developed, he said.