Senior Royalton executive meets with disgruntled hotel staff in Negril

   

A meeting is being held Tuesday with disgruntled hotel workers of Royalton Negril and a senior executive of Royalton Luxury Resorts to iron out the issues which led to Monday's strike.

 

Radio Jamaica News was informed that the meeting started at 11 a.m.

 

Rafael Cosano, a senior executive of Royalton, arrived in the country on Tuesday to lead the discussions.

 

The workers remain off the job after an attempt on Monday by a manager to soothe tempers, failed.

 

The protest action over low wages and poor treatment has caused major disruptions at the hotel with some guests opting to leave.

 

Some guests also showed solidarity with the workers during the protest.

 

Senior tourism officials, including Minister Edmund Bartlett, have requested a meeting for Wednesday with Mr. Cosano, members of Royalton Negril's management team and select staff.

 

Delano Seiveright, Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, acknowledged "the important role that our tourism workers play in Jamaica's growth and successs", adding that it is important that the matters of concern are resolved. 

 

"We understand the concerns raised and I want to assure everyone that discussions are ongoing between the resort's management and staff to arrive at amicable solutions to the issues identified. Minister Bartlett, alongside with other ministry and agency officials will be visiting the resort tomorrow to continue those deliberations and ensure that the issues are addressed in a fair and timely manner," he said. 

 

Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism Senator Janice Allen has urged the management of Royalton Negril to engage in meaningful dialogue to swiftly reach an amicable resolution "that respects the rights and needs of the staff" and ensures that "our tourism industry remains a model of excellence and compassion".

 

Senator Allen said it is clear from Monday's walkout that the workers have reached breaking point. 

 

"Employees in the hotel industry are essential to delivering exceptional service, and addressing the human relations issues promptly is critical for the health of our tourism sector. The longer that these matters remain unresolved, the greater the risk to both employee satisfaction and the reputation of the hotel," she warned.