"risk of conflict'' in allowing middle managers to be in workers' unions.

Senate President Alf Oughton voted with fellow Independents Walwyn Hughes and Jeannette Cannonier in joining Opposition senators to defeat the Government six votes to five.

At the end of the vote, Government Leader in the Senate Milton Scott was heard to say: "It's all right. The workers just have to wait one year. One more year and it will be brought back.'' Sen. David Burch (PLP) introduced the bill, saying it removes restraints on management in the Act, and allows them to join the same union as workers "but not the same bargaining unit''.

Sen. Burch said the amendment brought the Island into a more "democratic practice''.

But Opposition Senate Leader Maxwell Burgess (UBP) complained the amendment had been rushed through without input from the business community.

Union legislation rejected "It's about consultation! It's about consultation! It's about consultation!'' Both Sen. Burgess and Sen. Mark Pettingill (UBP) said they supported the right to union representation for all people, but could not support an Act allowing management to join the same union as blue collar workers.

Sen. Burgess said even with separate collective bargaining agreements as provided for in the amendment, employers would be "betwixt and between''.

"I urge the Senate not to allow this amendment to proceed,'' Sen. Burgess said. "Because the mechanics of it can't work. Failure to get it right is another blow (to the economy).'' Sen. Pettingill told the Senate the amendment would bring a "risk of conflict''.

Sen. Pettingill, a lawyer, compared the amendment to the legal term "Chinese Wall'' or one that one could easily penetrate.

"This amendment falls short with regard to a risk of conflict,'' he said. "I don't think you can say we will fix this down the road. It simply is not appropriate to have middle management in the same union as workers.'' But Sen. Pettingill promised if it returned to the Senate with an appropriate clause allowing managers to join their own union, "I'll support it without hesitation''.

Sen. Milton Scott explained there had been "lots'' of discussions both locally and abroad as far back as 1993 on manager's unions, including before the International Labour Organisation.

A previous incarnation of the amendment during 1998 under the United Bermuda Party had also seen extensive discussion, Sen. Scott said.

But the two sides had not agreed on the particulars.

Sen. Scott added: "It is highly impossible that they come together.'' UNIONS UNS