The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedai.net

THE Commonwealth Union of Hotel Services and Allied Workers Union on Monday denied rumours of impending layoffs at the Grand Lucayan Hotel.

Michelle Dorsett, president of CUHSAWU, met with management and said she was assured that there were no plans to lay off the 350 hotel workers at the property.

She said that 40 per cent of the workers are back to work at the 180-room Lighthouse Pointe resort, and the remaining 60 per cent employed at Grand Lucayan Resort are on a 13-week training programme until the main resort can be repaired.

“The main resort is damaged really bad by the hurricane,” said Ms Dorsett. “The hotel is trying its best to schedule people on a day-to-day basis so that no one is laid off.”

Mrs Dorsett said the union does not want its members laid off and are making sure that the process is done fairly and smoothly.

“People in Grand Bahama are hurting and our members are hurting,” she said.

The Treasure Bay Casino closed its doors on December 4, putting 150 Bahamians out of work. The Freeport Container Port, which is owned by Hutchison Whampoa, laid off 20 workers due to loss in container business as a result of significant hurricane damage at the port.

Mrs Dorsett hopes that Prime Minister Perry Christie will reach out before yearend to give hotel workers and Grand Bahamians an update about what is happening in Grand Bahama and at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

The resort is up for sale. The unionist said that the government and owners Hutchison Whampoa are in talks with a potential buyer.

“We are waiting on the prime minister to reach out and make a statement on the Grand Lucayan; we are depending on him to reach out and let workers know what the plans are for 2017.”

“I wrote to him months ago, and I believe he will do his best. But, we want government to ensure no more layoffs - we do not need any more workers jobless and would prefer two or three days rotations so that everyone is treated fairly.”

Mrs Dorsett encouraged workers to exercise patience and understanding at this time as the hotel is running a very low occupancy level. She urged workers to continue giving their best on the job.

“The entire island was devastated and I want our members to understand that it has been a tough year, and we hope 2017 will be better.

“We have to keep the guests happy. At this time occupancy is low and the Grand Celebration cruise ship is coming (to the island), but not as frequently.”

She said pledged that the union will continue to do all it can to help workers.

“We have been assisting our workers before the hurricane, which has put big damper on the union. We have reached out to Urban Renewal and other government entities to assist us because the funds are just not there,” she said.