Union president Pat Bain and General Secretary Leo Douglas visited that island over the Emancipation Day holiday weekend and were reportedly informed by “disenchanted” workers that they were made to endure a lot of “unusual practices” just to keep their jobs.
The union issued a press release, which indicated that Bahamian workers were made to give into overbearing demands of the expatriate workers who were reportedly bold enough to tell Bahamians that their skin colour made a difference. The union also indicated that Bahamians with certain complexions were not permitted to work in certain areas of the property. Such working conditions were equated to “apartheid” and every investor had to keep in mind that Bahamians have a right to work and earn a living in their country.
Additionally, a group of female employees, who were injured on the job, told the union how they were forced to resign by management because they had to see a doctor for the injuries.
“We had to write letters of resignation so we could get medical help. After which we could get our jobs back by re-applying,” one of the ladies explained.
The union statement further indicated that some employees complained of working 12, 14 and 15 days without a day off.
Workers charged that $60 was deducted from their salaries for living quarters when they were made to sleep two in a room without a say in deciding on their room mate.
The Guardian contacted Four Seasons new general manager, Antwoine Chahwan for a response to
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the mentioned allegations.
Mr Chahwan said the company would respond in a press release in 24 hours, but added that, “These are all allegations that are absolutely unfounded. We’re in the midst of preparing a response and I will respond appropriately but at this stage, I cannot comment on the allegations any further.”
Charges of worker mistreatment against the Four Seasons are not new. Just a month after its December opening, Anthony Archer, a bartender at the resort, told the press that the hotel was understaffed and employees were working overtime and double shifts, but not adequately compensated. He further charged that the employees were only receiving $40 for two weeks’ gratuities.
Mr Archer said the employees at that time were seeking to join the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union as a result.
Former general manager, Ramesh Sadhwani refuted Mr Archer’s charges, saying instead that management had a meeting with all the staff recently to explain how the service charges work. He said when the resort had a small number of visitors the service charges were proportionally smaller.
“We (Four Seasons) would not be in business very long if we treated employees unfairly. And we are not about to undermine a $320 million investment by operating in a manner other than what is unexpected of us,” he said.
Prime Minister Perry Christie officially opened the 183-room resort on Dec. 15. It has 487 employees and represents the largest investment in the Exumas.
Four Seasons also claims first position on many prestigious lists. Recent honours include being named to Fortune magazine’s list of 100 Best Companies to Work For (for the sixth consecutive year); and the American Automobile Association’s (triple A) Five Diamond awards, receiving more than any other hotel company for the 22nd consecutive year.
Mindell Small, The Nassau Guardian
