The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FOLLOWING the payout of severance packages to over 160 hotel workers in Grand Bahama, Commonwealth Union of Hotel Services and Allied Workers Union president Michelle Dorsett said many of the former Grand Lucayan workers were happy with their sums.

While thanking those who accepted packages for their services, she encouraged those remaining workers who will stay on to be committed as she was optimistic that the hotel would soon reopen.

“I truly believe that there are brighter days ahead for the Grand Lucayan and for the island of Grand Bahama as a whole,” she said in a press statement issued recently.

“We give God thanks for seeing us through this entire ordeal, because without Him this day would not have come. It has been a long and hard-fought battle but we are grateful that the government intervened and acted in the best interest of the workers,” she said.

The workers received severance, gratuity, and back pay, according to the union. Last Friday workers received their letters detailing what they were entitled to receive.

Ms Dorsett noted that all of 164 workers who applied for separation deals have accepted their packages and that many were happy with the payouts.

She said that the union has not received any official complaints from recipients. She also noted that a number of employees have contacted the union president to express their gratitude for helping to bring the matter to a close.

Ms Dorsett thanked the government for also considering and including casual workers in the Banquets Departments for six to 12 years in the payout process, despite the fact that they were not permanent but were also provided severance packages.

The government, which purchased the hotel property last year for $60 million, is looking to resell the resort to an investor who can develop and reopen it.