represented by the Bermuda Industrial Union.

BIU president Derrick Burgess confirmed yesterday that an approach was made to the union.

He said: "We had some come last week -- I don't know the exact numbers involved.'' The move comes amid a long-running controversy over 100 Southampton Princess middle managers' bid to join the BIU.

Mr. Burgess said: "The way people are being treated today, they need representation and that's what we're here for.'' The Southampton Princess staff approached the BIU last year to try and establish a collective bargaining deal.

The action sparked a war of words between Princess Hotels top brass and the BIU.

Princess chief Stephen Barker warned unionised middle management could have "catastrophic'' implications for the industry.

He added it would be "totally inappropriate'' for the same union to represent management and workers because of the potential for conflict of interest.

But Mr. Burgess hit back, accusing Mr. Barker of "scaremongering tactics'' and called for cooperation between top management and the BIU.

Mr. Burgess said yesterday: "Hopefully, the management at Sonesta will recognise the rights of these workers and let the union represent them.

"I would hope that common sense would prevail within Sonesta management and that they would let things take their course.'' TOURISM TOU