Workers at Iberostar Hotel in Montego Bay staged a protest on Friday, marking the second demonstration by tourism employees in the resort town this week.
The industrial action taken by Ibersostar workers is said to be sparked over contention issues involving inadequate pay.
The demonstrating workers, who lined the side of the road alongside the hotel listed their grievances as low wages, discrepancies with the hotel’s payroll system, among other things.
The industrial action has resulted in an impromptu meeting with members of the Ministry of Tourism, who are currently in a meeting with staff representatives and management.
Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright, who is among tourism officials now locked in a meeting with representatives of the hotel, emphasised that workers are the backbone of Jamaica’s tourism industry and play a vital role in the success of “our world-renowned product”.
“Again we strongly encourage open and honest dialogue between staff and management at all levels to promptly address concerns, some of which are frankly basic. Some we know will take time,” Seiveright stated.
He was quick to add, “Nonetheless, investments in the tourism sector have created thousands of jobs, opened countless opportunities, and consistently generated significant foreign exchange and revenue for Jamaica. These investments sustain the livelihoods of many, and we must protect and nurture this delicate balance as we move forward. We understand the times and some of the maneuvres so it’s important that everyone is reminded of this balance.”
Three days ago, representatives from the Ministry and Labour and the Ministry of Tourism met with executives of the Secrets Resort in Montego Bay, St James to address a similar strike action by disgruntled workers.
Hotel workers at Royalton in Negril also took strike action over salary and other issues recently.
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