Secrets Resort staff return to work after pay and workload protest
Loop News | 2024-11-13 | Original Article
Workers at Secrets Resort in Montego Bay, St James, resumed their duties after staging a demonstration on Tuesday over issues related to insufficient pay and heavy workloads.
Their return follows an intervention from representatives of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Labour.
Government officials met with the employees and documented their concerns for further follow-up by the resort’s management team.
Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright, emphasised the significance of workers in the tourism industry, stating, “Our workers are at the heart of Jamaica’s tourism industry and are central to the strength of Brand Jamaica. Their well-being and contributions will always be prioritized. At the same time, we also recognise the need for a balanced approach, making sure that our investors feel comfortable and are well-supported, as this creates a win-win for everyone involved.”
In response to the issues raised, Secrets Resort has reportedly renewed its commitment to supporting staff by ensuring two days off per week, Christmas bonuses, free laundry services, and incentives like a two-car giveaway for outstanding employees.
“I know for a fact that the hotel has ensured that staff here have two days off per week, a strong pension scheme, and various other benefits, including confirmed Christmas bonuses,” Seiveright added.
He also pledged that the Ministry of Tourism will conduct follow-up meetings to ensure workers’ concerns are adequately addressed. "We will have follow-up meetings to address grievances. Not all issues will be resolved immediately, but I believe most will be settled in the coming weeks," he assured.
Seiveright noted that miscommunication may have contributed to the workers’ frustrations, emphasising the importance of clear, direct, and frequent communication between management and staff.
Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism and Linkages, Senator Janice Allen, expressed serious concern over the workers' grievances. Following her discussions with employees during Tuesday’s protest, Allen urged immediate action to resolve the long-standing issues within Jamaica’s hospitality sector.
“I am deeply troubled by the stories I heard today from workers. These individuals are the backbone of our tourism industry, yet they feel overworked, underappreciated, and unheard. We must do better for them," she stated.
Senator Allen highlighted that while tourism remains vital to Jamaica's economy, the sector’s growth should not come at the expense of workers’ welfare. "Yes, we want investors to profit, but our people should also share in that prosperity. It is unacceptable for workers to face double shifts without fair compensation or to feel ignored by management. This cannot continue," she said.
Allen also criticised the government’s approach to rapid hotel development without addressing the working conditions of those sustaining the industry. “The Minister of Tourism must ensure that the focus remains on our people, not solely on expanding hotel room stock. At this rate, we risk losing the willing and capable workforce needed to support the industry’s growth,” she warned.
This recent demonstration follows another incident last month in which a senior manager at Royalton Negril was suspended after a similar worker protest at that resort.