BITU says tourism workers should be allowed to unionise

By Nakinskie Robinson   

 

Government Senator and President of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), Kavan Gayle, is insisting that the recent wave of industrial action in hotels would have been easily avoided if tourism workers were afforded collective bargaining rights.

 

Senator Gayle pointed out that the matter of contract work abuse was raised in Parliament several times, including in January and December of 2022, and if heeded would have prevented the current crisis. 

 

"I am renewing my call for urgent legislative action. Recent consultation with the workers, including those involved in the recent protests, have highlighted the serious concern workers face due to the pervasive use of short-term contracts in this particular sector, and it is clear that these employment practices are depriving workers of the stability that they need to make long term plans for themselves and their families. The nature of these contracts, often renewed on a seasonal or short-term basis, creates, in my mind, a volatile and uncertain environment for workers," he contended.  

 

He said it is not too late to prevent further protests, adding that the Joint Industrial Council suggested by the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions is still being discussed.

 

Senator Gayle noted, however, that to be viable, the council would need intricate arrangements especially as it relates to hotels already unionised and properties that have significantly different and individual nuances.

 

BITU Assistant General Secretary Collin Virgo added that hotels have left themselves unnecessarily exposed, with some in the past having threatened workers with termination if they attempted to join a union.