tips row to another hearing.

Hotel chiefs have now fired off a letter to Mr. Pearman calling on him to reverse his decision. And he has been warned of possible court action without a change of mind.

Lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch last night met with the Hotel Employers of Bermuda over Mr. Pearman's decision. Mr. Dunch said afterwards: "I have been instructed to write a letter to the Minister.'' The letter urged Mr. Pearman to reflect on his actions, and withdraw the reference, said Mr. Dunch. "I made it clear it would be prudent for him to respond sooner rather than later.'' Mr. Dunch said there were several options open to the HEB should Mr. Pearman not budge. On Wednesday Mr. Pearman announced he would ask the Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board to rule again on the gratuities dispute.

The Bermuda Industrial Union claim hotel workers are entitled to 1992 gratuities, and accuse management of "pocketing'' them. Mr. Dunch charged Mr.

Pearman with bowing to a threat of strike action by union bosses.

Mr. Dunch said past board hearings had gone against the union. And he accused the BIU of waiting until a board ruled in its favour adding Mr. Pearman had previously urged the union to take their grievances with board rulings to court.

He added Bermuda's Court of Appeal had already ruled in the Pink Beach dispute the same issue could not be repeatedly put before a board.

A decision on how to boost the hotel industry should be made in June, president of the Bermuda Hotel Association Mr. Stephen Barker said last night.

The decision would follow discussions by a committee of Government ministers and hoteliers.