Employees at Dunn's River Falls protest 'hostile' work environment

 

Workers at the world famous, Dunn's River Falls today staged a peaceful protest to highlight their discontent with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), managers of the St. Ann based attraction. 

 

The workers are upset that the UDC has failed to respond to appeals to intervene in what they say is a hostile working environment.

 

The protest did not disrupt operations at the attraction as workers continued to perform their duties.

 

Chief union delegate with the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, Raphael Walker, said the employees removed their branded shirts in favour of white T-shirts as a form of protest.

 

Mr. Walker explained that workers have been at odds with the concessionaire contracted to provide video production services at the Falls since a change in its role and function. 

 

"Before COVID, the video personnel had a responsibility to videotape whatsoever is taking place in the operation. After COVID, we were told by them that they are now selling pictures, and they want to dictate as to how and where the pictures [are] taken. In most cases, it is not safe. So we are always at odds by saying you cannot go here, you cannot go there. And it breeds sometimes stupid confrontations in the daily operation,' he outlined.

 

The issue escalated with the recent dismissal of an employee assigned to the Falls area following an altercation with a videographer. 

 

Mr. Walker said the BITU wrote to the managers of the Falls asking them to revisit the situation. The union wants a review of the termination of the employee as well as the functions of the employees of Dunn's River and the concessionaire.