The United Bermuda Party's Michael Dunkley has slammed the appointment of Ottiwell Simmons to the Trade Disputes Tribunal looking into the recent Precision-Somers building strike.

The Shadow Home Affairs Minister said: "The tribunal is there to hear both sides without being prejudiced. I am quite concerned to see Mr. Simmons appointed.

"That is no disrespect to Mr. Simmons, but the man in the street will say it's biased toward the union -- he is a former leader of the BIU (Bermuda Industrial Union).'' The Tribunal, headed by Arlene Brock, will start on October 13 and its decision will be binding on both parties.

Mr. Dunkley said: "The purpose of a tribunal is to hear information put forward and make a decision -- that's what a tribunal does. It's not there to give information.'' However, Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox defended the decision.

She said: "I think Mr. Dunkley is wanting to amend the legislation. I nominated the chairman and the two parties nominated the others.

"The union nominated Mr. Simmons and Precision-Somers nominated Mr. Meade.'' Mrs. Cox said she hoped the tribunal would be decided in a couple of days.

"It depends on how adept the sides are at being succinct,'' she said.

UNIONS UNS