Gov't to announce improved benefits for hotel workers soon

By Clinton McGregor    

 

Amid growing unrest in the tourism sector, the government is to announce improved benefits for hotel workers.

 

Hotel workers have been staging near weekly strikes to protest against low wages and poor working conditions.

 

The Ministry of Tourism has been reassuring overseas tour operators and travel agencies that the government is addressing the crisis.

 

Speaking Sunday on Radio Jamaica's weekly review programme, That's a Wrap, Delano Seiveright, Senior Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, said Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is to outline the detailed plans of improved benefits in the coming weeks.

 

"[Tourism] Minister Bartlett and Prime Minister Holness have been in discussions along with the sector about some changes that will be happening and those will be announced in the coming weeks, including issues related to gratuities, which is a point of concern, issues related to tips, which is another point of concern, and also more streamlined allowances. 

 

"The fact is the cost of living situation, not just in Jamaica, but in many other parts of the world, has put a lot of stress on a lot of people, and we realise that there's a need to improve those arrangements so that people can be more comfortable working," he admitted. 

 

Already, Mr. Seiveright said, there have been improvements in laundry allowances, transport allowances, and accommodation arrangements, which are major sticking points for workers across the sector. 

 

The tourism strategist has blamed the management of some local hotels for the protests which were threatening the country's tourism brand.