The Tribune

Former Sandals employees were at the Sandals job fair at Christ the King Anglican Church in Ridgeland Park West yesterday to interview for their previous positions, with some questioning the reason for the recent redundancies while others appeared to have no ill will toward their former employer.

Some 600 plus employees were made redundant at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort last week, in what union officials claimed was a union busting tactic. Sandals has contended, however, that the move was the only available option, with the resort shutting down for needed repairs.

It is unclear if all the terminated employees will be rehired when the resort re-opens in October. One former employee told Tribune Business: “I was really shocked at what they did but I need a job right now and so that’s why I showed up for the interview.”

Another former employee, who did not wish to be identified, said: “I really don’t understand why we have to go through this process. I don’t really like it. It makes no sense.

“I know persons might be fearing that they’re going to go through these long, drawn out questions, hard interview – it’s not hard. And for those old Sandals employees, if you want to reapply you should if you have it in your heart’s desire.”

Latoysa Walks, a who spent 18 years at the resort , said that she harbours no hostility towards Sandals for their actions. 

“I was employed there for 18 years and I loved my job and I loved what I did,” she said. “It was a pleasure. And up to today I still feel positive about the company. And if the outcome turns out to be negative, I’m going to look at it as the positive side. Because everyone is coming here today to give it another try. So we love the job, it was the best job to us. I’ve been there so long, and that’s why I came back to give it a shot today.”

She added: “If I am given another opportunity for a job I’m going to take it, but I love Sandals, it was a nice place, and the job was always a happy job to be on.”