Barbados Workers’ Union Challenges Sandals' Redundancies Amid Industry Tension

The nation’s largest trade union has demanded greater employee protection and industry reform in response to plans by Sandals to make approximately 200 staff redundant.

The Barbados Workers’ Union delivered a robust response to the new chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) describing the layoffs as part of a typical seasonal pattern.

A strongly worded statement to Barbados TODAY suggests little easing of the tense relations between the union and hotel industry leadership over the future direction of the crucial tourism industry as the traditional pattern of seasonal work and summer layoffs is now in sharp focus.

The BWU condemned the BHTA’s approach to the redundancies: “The description of these layoffs as ‘seasonal’ by the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association cannot and must not be accepted as merely ‘the norm’.

“This issue is not just about industry patterns or business as usual; it’s about the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of Barbadians, many of whom are mothers and fathers striving to provide for their families and ensure their children’s education in an industry that increasingly, where better can be done, refuses to provide workers with job security.”

The union’s statement followed comments made by newly appointed BHTA chairman Javon Griffith, who on Monday told Barbados TODAY that there was no need for alarm over the redundancies.

“That is pretty standard across the industry at this time of year,” Griffith said. “Of course, for a property like that, it would seem like a lot, because they have two hotels side by side.”

But the BWU, however, argued that such a stance was “deeply insensitive” given the uncertainty faced by those affected. The union also questioned Sandals’ justification for the layoffs, describing as “disingenuous” the company’s claim that a projected economic downturn in source markets had significantly impacted bookings.

Moreover, the BWU alleged that Sandals was using health as a criterion for selecting staff for redundancy, a practice it deemed neither normal nor acceptable.

“The norm in the industry, and certainly not for unionised properties, is not one which assesses people for redundancy on the basis of health,” the union stated.

The dispute comes against a backdrop of tourism’s strong recovery so far this year, with the BWU noting recent record visitor numbers and increased hotel occupancy rates, particularly during events such as the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup.

Calling for a reimagining of the “off-season” concept and strategies to maintain year-round employment, the BWU emphasised the need for innovation that prioritises workers’ welfare.

“Barbados cannot afford to remain stagnant; we must evolve not just in technology and tourism offerings but in our treatment and consideration of the very workers who make this industry possible,” the union asserted.

The BWU’s critique extends beyond the immediate issue of layoffs, touching on broader concerns about job security and worker treatment in the tourism industry.

“It is unacceptable to treat workers as disposable commodities, easily laid off without a clear path to reemployment,” the union stated, calling for a “just transition” as the sector pushes for innovation and diversification.

The union highlighted the need to address the “niggling” issue of contract work and develop strategies to maintain employment throughout the year. This includes expanding tourism as a product with year-round offerings and potential, and ensuring that workers are at the forefront of discussions about the industry’s future.

“If this response reflects the approach of the new BHTA leadership, then it is clear that we have simply changed personnel without changing attitudes,” the BWU remarked, suggesting that the industry’s leadership may be out of step with the needs of its workforce.

The union’s statement also underscored the importance of the tourism sector to the national economy.

“Tourism is not just another industry in Barbados; it is the lifeblood of our economy,” the BWU noted, emphasising the industry’s recent resilience in the face of challenges such as Hurricane Beryl.

The BWU reminded the BHTA that “the norm” recognises the seasonal nature of the industry and by collective agreement, makes provision for how seasonality is to be approached.

The union said there is a need for solutions that prioritise people, not just profits, ensuring that as tourism numbers grow, so too must the security and prosperity of workers.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb