collar Government and hospital workers.

Government labour relations officers have been called in to pull management and union camps together.

The talks have entered mediation as thousands of other unionised workers also face negotiations this year.

As many as 19 contracts are coming up for renewal -- and several others still have to be settled.

The contract involving construction workers is among the first to expire -- on February 28.

With the deadline looming, the Bermuda Industrial Union and construction bosses are likely to begin negotiations this week.

And Stevedoring Services is also expected to start talks before its contract ends on March 31.

Other contract talks shortly to get under way involve restaurants, the Bermuda Telephone Company, pharmaceutical workers, Meyer Industries, PWs, SAL Ltd., Bermuda Motors, and St. George's Corporation.

Yesterday Mr. Malcolm Dixon, executive director of the Bermuda Employers Council, voiced optimism over the labour scene.

He claimed there was a new realism brought on by the recession.

"I am the eternal optimist. If everybody works hard, remains level-headed and understands what the other side's position is then this should be a comparatively good year.'' Mr. Dixon could not foresee any flashpoints which could bring a repeat of last year's industrial turmoil and he welcomed the new contract between the BIU and Hotel Employers of Bermuda.

It signalled a willingness to pull together to increase visitors.

But the outcome of the mediated talks involving BIU members of the Bermuda Hospitals Board and Government workers will be watched with interest.

The negotiations have been thrown in the lap of Government's labour relations officers.

The Hospitals Board's contract expired on October 4 last year, and that of Government workers on December 31.

Among the hospital staff there are 346 within the BIU, and roughly 800 within the Bermuda Public Services Association.

The contract for this latter group expires on September 30 this year.

Executive director of the Hospitals Board, Mr. Hume Martin, yesterday confirmed meetings had been staged with a Government labour relations officer.

He said he was anxious for a settlement to be reached as soon as possible.

"It would be fair to say that naturally we are concerned about the delay, and it would be better for the staff if everything was settled,'' he said.

"The staff have been very cooperative, focusing on their responsibilities, and not interfering with the operation of the hospital.'' There believed to be under 900 Government blue collar workers employed in a range of areas, including Agriculture, Works and Engineering and Marine and Ports.

A Government spokesman said mediation had been underway for several weeks.