A war of words has broken out between Union chiefs and employers over the question of middle management Union representation.

At a meeting of the Bermuda Employer's Council on Wednesday Council President Gerry Madeiros claimed that there would be "serious ramifications'' if managers were allowed to be unionised.

"Never has there been a time when employers on mass have been opposed to such a move,'' Mr. Madeiros said.

"The conflict of interest which would occur during either grievance or discipline handling as well as the effectiveness of management directing the work force on behalf of the employer would have serious ramifications to the corporate infrastructure.

"Another major concern reflected by employers is that, should a strike or industrial action take place and management is unionised then the operation would be in serious jeopardy should management personnel withdraw their services.'' Mr. Madeiros went on to warn of the dangers of closed shop unions where employees have to be a union card holder in order to get a job. The move has already been suggested by union bosses.

"This, to say the least, is unconstitutional and if linked with organised management would mean the unions would have a stranglehold on the employers which could have disastrous results for the economy and future of the country.'' Government is now considering new legislation concerning union regulations and Labour Minister Quinton Edness has already had consultation meetings with union leaders.

But Edward Ball, General Secretary of the Bermuda Public Service Association, hit back at Mr. Madeiros' remarks.

"If middle managers come up against a snag with their superiors then certainly non-union members don't have much of a forum to go to,'' he said.

"We are trying our best to always be positive with employers but this is typical of what we have heard by way of opposition to unionisation.

"Strike action is only a final strategy anyway, a last resort, and we always encourage mediation and arbitration.

"What we do get occurring here from managers of the private sector is the amount of concerns that they have which are staggering.

"I hope Mr. Edness is going to be fair and still retain the right of all managers to join a union of their choice.'' X