Beach Hotel.

They claim they have figures which show the hotel's occupancy level will hit 70 percent this weekend.

And the hotel is predicted to have roughly as many guests the following weekend.

The Bermuda Industrial Union has vowed to call a three-day strike once levels reach 70 percent.

Yesterday union president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons confirmed he had the occupancy figures. But he declined to say when the union would be striking.

"We have said before we will strike when occupancy levels reach 70 percent, and the position remains.

"Everybody will know when we intend to strike. We will come like a thief in the night.'' Mr. Simmons warned: "Elbow Beach tourists should not feel terribly comfortable about the situation right now.'' It is the second time this month the stage has been set for a strike.

The union appeared ready to carry out its threat on April 3, but took no action amid confusion over occupancy levels.

While Elbow Beach executives said levels would reach 71.8 percent, Mr.

Simmons' figures showed 67.1 percent. Similar confusion cannot be ruled out again.

No one from Elbow Beach's management could yesterday be reached for comment.

Mr. Simmons stressed the union was not aiming to hurt guests, or the Island's tourism industry.

And the BIU's object was not to strike -- it was to force the hotel's management to renew ties with the union.

The hotel has decided to tear up its long-standing collective bargaining agreement with the BIU.

In February it put a new deal to workers, including quarterly profit-sharing, and a board to hear grievances. Workers' union dues are no longer deducted from their weekly wage packets.

Mr. Simmons accused Elbow Beach of appearing hellbent on confrontation.

"If confrontation is what they want, then they can have it,'' he added.

The March 19 strike threat came just days after Labour Minister the Hon.

Irving Pearman referred the issue to the Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board.

Elbow Beach, managed by US-based Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is one of the biggest hotels in Bermuda. It can employ up to 300 workers, and currently has 180 employees.