and solve deteriorating industrial relations on the docks.

And he revealed he had already sounded out Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox on the possibility of a peace-keeping move at crisis-hit Stevedoring Services.

Mr. Burgess said: "A couple of weeks ago, we brought this to the attention of the Ministry of Labour.

"And we suggested whether it be a review or whatever, that something should be done at the docks.'' He said he hoped to sit down with Stevedoring Services management this week to try and thrash out a solution to the stalemate over a promotion row.

Mr. Burgess added: "We're not saying it's management, we're not saying it's union, but there are some problems there and we want to see them resolved.'' He said: "It seems there are a lot of little problems which shouldn't be and management appear to be saying `you're not going to tell us what to do.' "I hope that's not the case, but it certainly seems like that.'' The current dispute centres on a dispute which began when a foreman was promoted.

Mr. Burgess' Bermuda Industrial Union insists the promotion was not based on seniority -- which it says is against the collective bargaining agreement and custom and practice at the docks.

But Mr. Burgess -- also a Government MP -- held out an olive branch to management at the docks firm, which has been hit by a series of industrial relations problems in the last few months.

The move came only days after Cabinet held an emergency session to discuss the possibility of an all-out strike by public workers in support of the dockworkers.

But Mr. Burgess said: "The thing is, it's not settled -- certainly we would like to get it settled as soon as possible.'' And he warned: "I guess anything could happen -- but we're not there yet -- however, the divisions are concerned and the members are concerned.

"But we would hope a settlement could be reached without any escalation -- we want an end to this ASAP.'' Mr. Burgess pointed out that the man promoted had turned down the step up -- although management refused to appoint the worker the union claims has the best claim to the job.

He said: "We want the right thing to be done -- the person they promoted certainly has declined the position.

"That makes it even easier to do what they have to do -- which is promote the right person.'' He added: "Something has to happen -- we the union don't want to continue like this.

"That's not what our objective is -- we want good labour relations and a harmonious atmosphere.

"I would hope to meet with the management as soon as possible and get things sorted out.'' The latest problem at the docks came only days after an illegal walkout in support of a suspended worker. That row has now gone to arbitration.

The current dispute took a downward turn after BIU first vice-president Chris Furbert met dockworkers on Thursday morning.

Dockworkers then downed tools and marched to the nearby BIU headquarters to meet Mr. Burgess, who said more divisions of the union could be called out on strike.