The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union representatives yesterday shifted their stance on the recent layoffs at the One & Only Ocean Club ahead of the Paradise Island resort’s planned multi-million dollar renovation this summer.

BHCAWU president Nicole Martin, backtracking from the union’s initial position, said that it would have no further comments on the matter. She claimed the union “did not handle the matter” before the resort officially announced redundancies this week.

On Tuesday, 29 staff members of the Courtyard Terrace restaurant at the hotel were informed that their services were no longer required.

Last month, BHCAWU Secretary General Darrin Woods had said the union would not passively accept the Ocean Club’s “wish list” to lay off employees this summer. He told The Tribune that the union “won’t just be the welcome mat at the front door where you dust your foot and then go inside”.

Director of Labour Robert Farquharson confirmed that 14 of 29 employees were made redundant immediately, while the remaining 15 received notices that their employment will come to an end between now and June 21.

He said he anticipated that once the hotel completed its renovations and the restaurant reopened, the hotel would execute the “recall provision” negotiated in its collective bargaining agreement.

Ashley McBain, corporate communications vice president for Kerzner International, the management company of the One & Only Ocean Club, insisted yesterday that the layoffs came only after careful consideration and consultation.

In a statement to The Tribune, Ms McBain explained that Access Industries, the owners of the resort, and Kerzner International have been planning for a significant renovation of the One & Only Ocean Club for some time and working through the approval process with the government.

She added that resort executives remain committed to work closely with the government and the Ministry of Tourism to “safeguard the future of the resort and Bahamian employment”.

“The commitment to elevate the ultra-luxury experience of One & Only Ocean Club with a focus on sustaining this position for the long term is required to support the growth of the local tourism market and continued employment opportunities for Bahamians,” she said.

“In order for us to focus on delivering the exceptional service, we are developing and empowering team members to be more responsive to guest needs. Roles have been adjusted and streamlined, resulting in redundancies.”

Management of the One & Only Ocean Club confirmed in April that the resort was at the centre of media reports that alleged a Paradise Island resort had intentions to lay off workers.

In response to those claims. John Conway, the hotel’s general manager, promised that “any changes will be minimal”.

Mr Conway confirmed then that the Hartford Wing would undergo renovation work in early June and that the Courtyard Terrace restaurant would close.