Minister of the Environment, Arthur Hodgson, last night said he hoped the dispute between Government, the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) and the Bermuda Museum, Aquarium and Zoo (BMAZ) was on track for a satisfactory resolution.

Mr. Hodgson said: "These workers come under the Ministry of the Environment.

However, a directive went out from a second ministry which had to be implemented by a third.

"As a result of this cross-ministerial responsibility, the situation was not handled with the degree of sensitivity it deserved.'' The staff come under the control of the Ministry of the Environment via the department of Agriculture and Fisheries and were angry after receiving notice that they were now part of the BIU as part of its agency agreement with Government.

The 18 staff members say they were not consulted over whether they wanted to join the union, and have hired a lawyer to fight their case after discovering BIU dues of between $10 and $13 per week were due to be taken from their wages.

Staff allege that procedure has not been followed as a ballot on the decision was not held. Lawyer Trevor Moniz is seeking a judicial review of the move.

Mr. Hodgson said: "It seems that the problem arose as a result of a government organisational structure that existed some 20 years ago.

"In the intervening period, the position of the workers and the union appears to have been over-looked. The intention is to rectify such anomalies.'' He said: "I hope the matter is now on track for a satisfactory resolution.

"I wish to emphasise that the BMAZ is one of the best organisations I have ever been associated with, which is due in large measure to the quality and dedication of the staff.

"There is absolutely no question of their value to the country, and no question that their views will be given the consideration they deserve.'' The issue at the aquarium goes back several months and meetings with Government proved fruitless according to Mr. Moniz, forcing them to take legal advice.

They claim the move was in contravention of the Trade Union Act 1965 and the Trade Union Amendment act, 1998.

GOVERNMENT GVT MUSEUM MUS