NWU says it stands ready to defend rights of tourism workers

By Prince Moore    

 

The National Workers Union (NWU) says it stands ready to defend the rights of Royalton hotel staff and other tourism workers.

 

The pronouncement follows Monday's industrial action by staff at two Royalton hotels in western Jamaica.

 

The workers protested over low wages, the absence of canteen facilities and poor management and employee relations.

 

Granville Valentine, General Secretary of the National Workers Union, says it is unfortunate that workers in one of the richest industries are being exploited. 

 

"It is very strange that one of the richest industries has some of the poorest workers and some of the poorest working conditions. We as leaders, as a society must do better and must do more to assist these workers. No job security at all. Three months contract, six months contract, nine months the longest contract rolling over, with a fixed end and no option for renewal. These workers have to accept any treatment that is meted out to them," he lamented. 

 

Insisting the treatment of these workers and their working conditions are unacceptable, Mr. Valentine said trade unions are "ready to represent their rights and their justice". 

 

He added that the issues faced by workers at Royalton further highlight the need for legislation to address short term contracts and ensure fairness for workers. 

 

"We need workers to be paid a decent wage and we are calling on the authority, we are calling on the powers that be to fix this. We are willing to come to the table in defence and as a vanguard of the working class to ensure that fairness and justice and that our voices and our experiences are lent to these workers and these workers' working condition, to ensure that these workers are better off and that we can continue to have a prosperous tourist industry," he said. 

 

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said progress has been made towards resolving the labour dispute at Royalton in Negril and Trelawny.