weeks, Opposition Senate leader Sen. Alex Scott said yesterday.

And he claimed workers at a local store were up in arms over moves to promote a non-Bermudian.

Sen. Scott said both were examples of the Island's troubled industrial scene.

"No one is escaping our labour problems. Bermudians are beset with problems everywhere,'' he said.

His remarks came during the last sitting of the Senate before it reconvenes on November 6. He did not identify the restaurant or the store.

He called, however, for a Government agency to be set up to tackle the problems of unpaid workers.

Sen. Scott went on to speak of some Government disunity over addressing labour problems.

At least one key Cabinet Minister did not back the new legislation, he claimed.

It was also sad there had been no consensus on the Interim Report of the Joint Select Committee on Trade Union and Labour Relations Legislation, said Sen.

Scott.

The joint select committee of MPs and Senators, set up a year ago, agreed last Monday to present an interim report to Parliament.

Sen. Scott said it was "startling'' and "sad' the accord was signed only by Progressive Labour Party members.

Government Senate Leader the Hon. Michael Winfield said he believed the Island had responded well to economic and labour challenges.

And he warned: "Clearly this is not going to be the best of summers.'' Sen. Winfield said the hotel industry faced major difficulties, with low occupancy rates forecast for the coming months.

There had been a pattern, however, of late reservations which would make the actual figures much better, he added.

"The United States is now recognised as being virtually stagnant. The indicators are not positive. They are not negative, but everything is at a standstill.

"The Government will continue to do everthing it can to stimulate the economy.'' Sen. Winfield stressed it was critical for Bermudians to present a good image to visitors, and to entertain them.

He also highlighted the benefits brought by non-Bermudians to the Island.

The big reduction in foreigners over the last two years had had a negative impact on the Country, he claimed.

Sen. Trevor Woolridge said visitors who made late plans for a Bermudian holiday were being hit by higher air ticket prices.

"The cost of a ticket may be a deciding factor whether they come.'' Sen. Jerome Dill, a lawyer, said most people had ignored the recent strike call because they were "law abiding citizens''.

He stressed the importance of laws, citing a philosopher who said life in a country without them would be "nasty, brutish, and short.'' Sen. Wendell Hollis said the Island was affected by many events it had no control over, including the recession.

It was important for Bermudians to focus on what they could change, he added.

Senate President the Hon. Albert Jackson said he was encouraged how different shades of opinion spoke with one voice over the recent labour problems.

Sen. Jerome Dill Sen. Wendell Hollis Sen. Trevor Woolridge.