fired for "varying, serious, and unconnected reasons'', general manager Mr.

George Robinson said last night.

And he dismissed any suggestion the dismissals were related to the Island-wide strike.

One worker was fired in November -- and the other two in April, he added.

"All were terminated for a cause,'' said Mr. Robinson, who declined to be more specific.

The Royal Gazette understands one of the workers, a bar tender, was fired for alleged insubordination.

Mr. Robinson confirmed he would be appearing with hotel lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch at a hearing on Monday into the dispute. The Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board, chaired by Mr. Michael Mello, will sit at the Cathedral Church Hall.

One of the issues to be decided is whether a collective agreement exists between the hotel and the Bermuda Industrial Union.

Last night Mr. Ottiwell Simmons MP, BIU president, was also reluctant to comment.

"It would be foolish for me to say anything which might prejudice the hearing,'' he said. "We just hope this hearing will be able to look at the facts of the case and give an award in our favour.'' Mr. Simmons said two of the fired employees were among the hotel's service staff, and the other was a warehouse worker.

Grotto Bay was recently embroiled in a row over its abolition of mandatory gratuities.