Hotel bosses are hoping the Senate's rejection of a bill to allow managers to join unions will open the door for consultation with Government.

The Hotel Employers of Bermuda (HEB), who lamented the lack of consultation over the Trade Union Amendment Act before it entered the House of Assembly, are hoping there will be a chance to look again at the bill.

It could be a year before the PLP can bring the bill back to Parliament after Independent and Opposition Senators united to block its progress on Wednesday.

But the delay has not deterred the Bermuda Managers Association, who are pressing on with their plans to attain certification as a trade union. And they believe the legislation could be brought back in a matter of months.

BMA spokesman Anthony Santucci said he was confident the legislation would become law but added he was concerned that managers were left without security in the meantime.

"We are disappointed that it faltered, but we will continue to ensure that people in Bermuda have the right to representation. Senior managers have representation and so should middle managers,'' he said.

"There is no protection for managers, there is a need for it, there is a need for some checks and balances.'' But HEB chief executive John Harvey welcomed the delay, which he believes could open the door for more industry input.

"I think what we have got to do now is continue the dialogue,'' he said. "We would be more than willing to meet.

"I think everybody recognises that this bill needs to be further reviewed.'' Mr. Harvey said it was clear from the reaction of the Opposition and Independent Senators, that they also had concerns over the bill.

He added that they were willing to meet with the Minister to discuss the finer points of the legislation.

TOURISM TOU UNIONS UNS