division last Tuesday, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The meeting was called after fewer than 100 people turned up the previous week to discuss the Grotto Bay Beach Hotel dispute and contract hearings with the Hotel Employers of Bermuda.

The union is attempting to make Government enforce a ruling by the Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board that Grotto Bay restore the 15 percent mandatory gratuity.

It is also beginning hearings this week before the EIDSB between the union and the HEB which are aimed at reaching a new contract. The last agreement expired in February last year.

At the union meeting two weeks ago, sources said BIU president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons MP asked for support for industrial action from other hotels to force Grotto Bay to scrap voluntary tipping, which it introduced with higher wages on January 1. The hotel also ceased to recognise the BIU.

It is understood Mr. Simmons told the meeting that the union could not afford to take the hotel to court and was therefore pushing Government to enforce it.

He also said Grotto Bay would not be included in any hotel strikes because of fears its management would bring in non-union or scab labour.

When asked about the low turn-out at the meetings, one hotel worker said it was the result of workers needing to stay at work to earn pay.

"People do not have time for these meetings,'' he said. "Since November they have only worked one full week.'' In other negotiations, Police contract talks are continuing, with further meetings scheduled for this week. Government labour relations officer Mr.

Gladstone (Tab) Bassett mediated the talks last month and they have now been referred back to the two sides for direct negotiations.

Government Personnel Services director Mr. Malcolm Gregory said agreements have been reached with firefighters, prison officer and school principals.

Talks between Government and the Amalgamated Bermuda Union of Teachers are also continuing.