Senator Janice Allen, opposition spokesperson on tourism, has stated that the recent strike by hotel workers at Royalton Negril and Trelawny should serve as a wake-up call for the government.

Her remarks follow Monday’s protest by staff members who voiced concerns about poor working conditions and low wages.

Allen commended the courageous workers for their strike action, highlighting that their stand for fair treatment and improved conditions has brought critical attention to ongoing issues within the hotels’ operations—issues that should never have escalated to this point.

“The concerns raised by staff—from low wages to inadequate canteen facilities—reveal an alarming lack of commitment from management towards the welfare of the very individuals who drive the success of these hotels. It is unacceptable that only drastic measures, such as a strike, were able to bring these issues to light,” Allen stated.

While acknowledging that management has begun to address some concerns, she warned against complacency within the Ministry of Tourism and related agencies. “It is concerning that the ministry did not recognise and address these workers’ concerns proactively months ago. Had the ministry shown attentiveness to workers’ rights, meetings to resolve these issues could have been held earlier, potentially avoiding the need for a strike,” she said.

In response to the protest, Royalton Negril has decided to increase employee salary packages, providing immediate salary increases and an additional $40,000 in gratuity. They have also committed to enhancing working conditions by installing a gym and barbershop for staff and improving meal quality at the staff canteen.

However, Allen cautioned that despite these efforts, Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett should not assume that all is well within the sector. “The minister of tourism and industry stakeholders must avoid assuming that everything is fine. Significant issues, such as the ongoing challenge of revolving contracts, remain unresolved. I have repeatedly urged the minister to prioritise this matter, as it strikes at the heart of long-standing grievances in the tourism industry,” Allen said.

She urged the minister to prioritise the needs of tourism workers over international travel engagements and increasing hotel developments. “A well-supported workforce is essential to a thriving tourism sector and is instrumental in delivering a product that meets both tourist expectations and fair treatment for those within the industry. This situation should serve as a wake-up call to the government, emphasising the importance of listening to and protecting the rights of tourism workers. Let this be the beginning of a comprehensive review to ensure that all voices within our tourism industry are not only heard but respected.”

Royalton Resorts are owned by Sunwing Travel Group, a Canadian travel agency, with luxury resorts located in Mexico, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia.