Title: Unrest at Royalton Negril: Workers Stage Protest Over Working Conditions
HANOVER, Jamaica – A wave of discontent has gripped the Royalton Negril, as hundreds of hotel workers have taken to the staff entrance in Hanover to protest against what they perceive as unacceptable working conditions. The protest, which commenced early on a Monday morning, saw placard-bearing employees and at least one guest peacefully lining the off-road leading to the resort, as well as nearby establishments including Grand Lido Negril, Point Village Resort, and Hedonism II Negril.
The core grievances expressed by the workers revolve around poor treatment, inadequate compensation, and excessive workloads. Amal James, a vocal protester, highlighted the pressing need for better regulation and unionization within the hospitality industry. "Some hoteliers are operating as they please," James commented, underscoring the urgent call for intervention by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett to address these systemic issues.
James elaborated on the plight faced by many in the industry: "We need better representation for the staff in the hotel industry. Too much ill-treatment. Please, two days off," he pleaded, advocating for structured work schedules consisting of two days off and eight-hour shifts to reduce worker fatigue. "If we do overtime, no pay, they just treat us as they feel like," he added, revealing a troubling disregard for overtime compensation protocols.
Despite a meeting with the hotel’s resident manager, the discontented employees were not placated and continued their demonstration. The Royalton Negril, a 573-room property that opened its doors to guests in 2017, currently employs over 1,000 staff members, making the scale of the protest significant within the local hospitality sector.
As the situation develops, there are increasing calls for stakeholders in the tourism sector to reassess labor conditions and ensure fair treatment and compensation for those who form the backbone of Jamaica’s thriving hospitality industry.
Authored by: Anthony Lewis
