JAMAICA | Opposition Calls for Urgent Action to Address Hotel Workers' Plight Amid workers Strike

Montego Bay, Jamaica. November 12, 2024: Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism and Linkages, Senator Janice Allen, has expressed deep concern following Tuesday's strike by hotel workers at Breathless and Secrets Resorts and Oyster Bay properties.

After engaging with workers on the ground, Senator Allen has called for immediate and meaningful action to address the longstanding issues facing Jamaica’s hotel workforce.

The strike which started at Secrets, triggered similar action from workers from the adjoining property, Breathless Montego Bay Resort and Spa, who walked off the job, while those at Oyster Bay in Trelawny stayed home.

“I am deeply troubled by the consistent 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 and on their behalf,” Senator Allen said.

Senator Allen emphasised that while tourism remains a critical pillar of Jamaica’s economy, the industry's success cannot come at the expense of its workers. “Yes, we want investors to make profits, but our people should also feel those profits. It is unacceptable for workers to endure double shifts without fair compensation or for their voices to go unheard even when management acknowledges their concerns. This cannot continue,” she said.

The Opposition Spokesperson also criticised the government's focus on rapid hotel development without addressing the working conditions of the very people who sustain the sector. “The Minister of Tourism has a duty to ensure the focus is on our people, not just on increasing hotel room stock and appeasing investors. At this rate, we risk losing the willing and capable workforce needed to support the industry’s growth.”

Senator Allen reaffirmed the need for a balanced approach to tourism development, one that prioritises the welfare of workers while maintaining the sector’s profitability and sustainability. She called for the Ministry of Tourism to urgently engage with workers, unions, and hotel management to resolve the immediate crisis and establish mechanisms to prevent future occurrences.

“Our tourism workers are vital to this industry’s success. They deserve to be respected, fairly compensated, and given working conditions that reflect their value. Let us not forget that their well-being directly impacts the quality of service Jamaica offers to visitors. It is time to put our people first.”

Senator Allen assured the workers of her continued advocacy, stating that the Opposition will hold the government accountable to ensure the tourism sector benefits all stakeholders, especially the workers who are its foundation.

The workers, who say they are underpaid and overworked, had, on Tuesday morning, demanded the presence of Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett to address their issues. Their grouses include meagre commission rates and issues with security of tenure due to longstanding contract work.

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