JCTU repeats call for a Joint Industrial Council for tourism workers

By Clinton McGregor    

 

The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions has written to the Ministry of Labour calling for urgent action to protect the rights of workers in the hotel industry.

 

The letter was sent to Minister Pearnel Charles Jr., hours after workers at Secrets and Breathless Montego Bay resorts - operated by Hyatt Hotels - walked off the job to protest against low wages and poor working conditions.

 

In the letter, the JCTU expressed concern regarding the ongoing challenges facing hotel workers. 

 

It said recent events, including the strikes at Royalton along with Secrets and Breathless hotels, have highlighted significant issues regarding the treatment of hotel workers, who have reported being overworked and underpaid.

 

These issues, the JCTU said, are creating distress and discontent within the workforce, which directly affects the well-being of the workers and the stability of the industry.

 

The JCTU added that it recognises the importance of the tourism sector to Jamaica's economy and its reliance on the dedicated efforts of hotel staff across the country.

 

But it argued that fair and equitable working conditions are essential to sustaining both employee satisfaction and service quality in the industry.

 

Against this background, the JCTU said it wants a meeting with Minister Charles to discuss these matters in greater depth and explore potential collaborative solutions.

 

In particular, the confederation is proposing that a Joint Industrial Council for the tourism industry be established.

 

It said such a council could be instrumental in ensuring hotel workers' rights are adequately protected, fair labour practices are upheld, and a framework for swiftly addressing disputes is developed.

 

JCTU Vice President Granville Valentine warned that there could be more unrest in the hotel industry if the government refuses to establish the Council.

 

"It doesn't look good and doesn't augur well when workers after [being] frustrated for so long are coming out," he said, adding that they are currently being represented government officials and managerial personnel, but no "true advocates" on their behalf. 

 

"No union is at the table. And this is something that must be dealt with. All the other players are at the table a long time ago, and have been at the table from the start. Yet, we are seeing the same players now are saying that 'We have the solution for these workers.' The workers need proper representation at the table, be it an industrial council, or it is unionisation, individual unions, or together," he asserted.