for the right to a ballot over whether they must join the Bermuda Industrial Union.

Around 18 workers took Government to court after being told they had to join the union because they came under the Environment Ministry which had an agency agreement with the BIU.

But a hearing has found that Government erred in trying to force the hand of BAMZ staff.

Now the ball is in the court of the BIU which must decide whether to ballot the workers.

BAMZ lawyer Trevor Moniz said: "The Attorney General agreed they should not have deducted union dues without a certification saying the union was the bargaining unit -- that requires a ballot.'' He said the issue had gone quiet but added that the union was applying for a ballot, although he speculated it was unlikely to win it.

Mr. Moniz said: "I haven't heard from them recently. When I spoke to (BIU leader) Derrick Burgess he was trying to take it further.'' "My people at the Aquarium are calling me and asking me what's going on?'' BIU leader Derrick Burgess could not be reached for comment.

UNIONS UNS