managers at the Grotto Bay Hotel of not handling the dismissals of three employees in a "correct and customary way''.

His attacks came on the second day of hearings into the firings by the Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board.

While questioning resident manager Mr. Alan Lugo, Mr. Simmons also suggested that a dinner bill at the centre of dining room captain Mr. Barry Smith's dismissal was "tampered with by management''.

But Grotto Bay lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch called the implication of forgery "another grave allegation without any foundation''.

Mr. Smith was fired for allegedly pocketing money given to him by two guests to pay for a meal.

Mr. Lugo and Grotto Bay managing director Mr. George Robinson -- who took the stand shortly before the hearings were adjourned for the day -- said Mr. Smith had been under suspicion for some time because of theft complaints from other dining room staff.

Dismissing such statements as "nothing but hearsay'', Mr. Simmons said there was no proof of any thefts.

Mr. Lugo and Mr. Robinson said another former employee, Mr. Larry Robinson, had had ample opportunity to avoid dismissal for "failure to perform his duties''.

The managing director said he was familiar with the bar porter's records, and had reviewed them with Mr. Lugo on several occasions.

"I had been on Mr. Lugo's case regarding the lenient manner in which he handled Larry,'' he said. "I told him he was putting up with events that were unacceptable.'' According to the managers' testimony, Mr. Larry Robinson had a history of "disappearing'' from his post, and numerous verbal complaints had been received from other staff members concerning his "unprofessional behavior''.

The bar porter was fired after failing to stock the pool bar.

Storeroom manager Mr. Erwin Whitter was fired by his direct supervisor, hotel controller Mr. Earle Michlin, following a confrontation in April in which Mr.

Whittter used "offensive words'' and became "physically threatening'' after refusing to stock a large delivery of goods in the hotel's storeroom.

Mr. Lugo denied suggestions by Mr. Simmons that there had been "a plot'' to fire Mr. Whitter.