same unions as the rank-and-file could be in the offing.

Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox did not rule out a redrawing of the Act after it was knocked back by Senate.

She said: "It's obviously disappointing -- but it's out of my hands and we're hopefully dealing with people who are right-thinking.'' Ms Cox spoke out after an alliance of Independent and Opposition senators used their clout to block the Trade Union Amendment Act for a year.

But Opposition Sen. Mark Pettingill said he would support "without hesitation'' a alteration to the Act to allow managers to set up and join a separate union.

Ms Cox said: "That's something which I will consider. We will review the position and see whether there's to be any further amendment.

"It is something to think about and I will take note of his comments.'' But she added: "That's not a decision I would take alone or without consultation.'' Ms Cox said the Senate decision was "democracy in action'' and said she would bring the Act back to the House of Assembly in a year's time.

Union bill could be changed She added: "We have the Opposition, the Government and Independent senators and as long as everybody is doing their job and properly reviewing things, we just have to acknowledge that.'' The Act would have meant that, for example, hotel middle managers could sign up with the Bermuda Industrial Union, which also represents grassroots employees, although they would have had to have formed a separate bargaining unit.

But Opposition and Independent senators argued against the Act, claiming it would cause a conflict of interest for managers -- even though they would have to bargain apart from the ordinary workers.

And Opposition Senate leader Maxwell Burgess insisted that there had not been enough consultation with the business community, either.

Shadow Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley -- who argued against the amendment in the House -- welcomed news that it had been blocked.

The bill was one of two rejected by Senate -- and it would have been three if Independent Sen. Jeanette Cannonier had not voted with Government by mistake on a bid to remove exemptions from rent control on homes built after June, 1983. Mr. Dunkley said: "It's very surprising to see Senate take exception to so many Government bills -- it has to be precedent-setting.

"These are Independent senators -- if they side with the Opposition, there has to be some merit in that.'' Mr. Dunkley added: "If you have many employers' groups saying they didn't have a chance to consult with the Minister on the trade union amendment we have to take that on board.

"I would welcome the Minister taking that approach now and ask for more discussion and seeing how we can rectify this so we can satisfy people to the best of our ability.'' But Mr. Dunkley declined to comment on whether Sen. Pettingill's suggestion for a white-collar union would be supported by him.

He said: "I don't wish to comment on that at this time. I will form an opinion based on the opinions of different groups of people.

"I think the only way we can move forward is to have consensus. This amendment was rushed to the House in the dead of night and without sufficient consultation.''