Baha Mar has recently terminated 140 workers from its Wyndham Nassau Resort, saying that decreased business volume was the driving factor.
Following the lay-offs, the workers marched to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) where they clashed with police.
Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) President Nicole Martin said the union only found out about the layoffs when members attended a meeting for Wyndham employees yesterday morning.
“We know nothing,” she said. “They have not engaged the union even though our industrial agreement said they should engage the union.
“These people have no respect. In The Bahamas, money is king.”
Martin said based on the number of people who were let go, the company is mandated to give the union 13 weeks’ notice.
“We have been served no notice,” she said.
Baha Mar’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs Robert Sands said the union was made aware just before the employees.
In a statement yesterday, Baha Mar said, “Wyndham Nassau Resort announced a full-scale reorganization of its operations, resulting in the need for workforce reductions at its two hotels.
“Various factors have impacted the resorts’ ability to operate in an efficient and profitable manner, leading to the need for substantial cutbacks.
“The reorganization, in addition to a more robust training and performance standards program, is designed to improve operations and overall guest satisfaction.
“Wyndham Nassau Resort associates were notified [yesterday] of the reorganization. All changes are effective immediately and are designed to ensure efficient management during a period of negative business conditions and economic issues.
“Long term, the new structure is designed to streamline operations and foster positive business growth.”
Outside the Office of the Prime Minister, distraught employees tried to push past the officers who had to form a human chain to prevent the them from rushing the office.
One worker got into a physical confrontation with police before union members eventually calmed him down.
Approximately 11 police officers, including six senior officers were on the grounds when the workers arrived.
The officers soon called for backup to help contain the emotional crowd.
A senior officer pleaded with Martin to control her members and promised that he would advise the prime minister that she requested a meeting, but workers continued to clash with police.
Martin screamed at police that she and the union members have a right to meet with Prime Minister Perry Christie.
“We know that our prime minister is more than willing to meet with us,” she said to the officers holding her back.
“We know that. I believe this is just the police making an assumption that we who as law-abiding citizens today are being turned into criminals. So if we can’t come to him, he would need to come here to us.
“We are Bahamians. This is affecting too many families. Officer, your family will be affected; it has to be.”
About 20 minutes after the union’s arrival, officers were able to restore some order.
“This is an exercise of saving jobs,” Martin told reporters just before she was invited to meet with Christie.
Shortly after, Christie and Labour Minister Shane Gibson met with union officials and some of the laid off workers.
The outcome of the meeting was unclear.
By Krystel Rolle
Guardian Staff Reporter
