Under labour laws, managers and supervisors are entitled to receive four weeks pay for each year of service they gave up to a maximum of 48 weeks.
However, a few of the hotel’s managers are fearful that resort owners may not fulfill this requirement.
“We are hearing that 75 percent of the managers and supervisors will only receive two weeks per year or 50 percent of their entitlement. This is wrong,” one manager told The Bahama Journal on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Sheraton Grand officials recently reported to workers that the owners have entered into an agreement in principle to sell the resort to another company. According to a source close to Sheraton Grand, the hotel is being sold to RIU Hotels and Resorts, an expanding international chain.
Some employees believe the intention is for RIU to close the Sheraton, reopening it as an all-inclusive five star resort.
“We want to know as a management team, will they guarantee jobs, are jobs secured and how long the hotel will be closed for,” said the manager. “We want consideration to be given for persons who are employed, to be rehired.”
The manager said relevant government authorities must ensure that Sheraton owners adhere to labour laws.
“We would also like them to reveal plans as they become available, regarding the closure and re-opening of the resort,” the manager said .
In a March 5 notice to employees, Sheraton’s Vice President and General Manager Alfred Gorlick said upon closure of the hotel all positions except those, which the company feels “must be retained for a while”, will be made redundant.
“The benefits applicable thereto will accrue to the benefit of the affected employees and will be discharged at that time,” Mr. Gorlick said.
Should the intended and “expected sale” not materialize as planned, Mr. Gorlick said all jobs would remain secure, until another buyer purchases the property.
It was a clear signal that the current owners of the hotel are determined to sell it.
Mr. Gorlick pointed out recently that the prospective buyers have until March 31 to perform a full inspection of the property and determine if they will go ahead with the purchase.
The potential sale of the 340-room Sheraton Grand comes as Kerzner International officials prepare for a $600-million phase three expansion to the Atlantis Resort, which is next door to the Sheraton.
Mr. Gorlick said he “regrets” the somewhat uncertain nature of the notice, but highlighted that it is caused by the uncertain circumstances that surround acquisitions of this type.
Hadassah Hall, The Bahama Journal
