The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) condemns the reprehensible action taken by the management of Jumby Bay Resort (JBR), to terminate six employees who ended their shifts early after reporting ill.
The Union deems this action to be not only unreasonable and unfair, but shockingly cruel and wholly unacceptable.
Throughout the internal hearings and investigation, the ABWU repeatedly cautioned the company to act with reasonableness, fairness, and good judgement.
These warnings were completely disregarded by the management of JBR, who instead chose to impose the harshest and most punitive outcome possible.
This draconian approach to human resource management reveals an alarming disregard for the dignity of workers. Employees must not be treated as objects of contempt; they must, at all times, be afforded fairness, justice, and respect. As a company that celebrates excellence in service and hospitality, it is troubling that JBR failed to apply even the most basic principles of fairness and good judgement in this matter.
“This type of callous handling of workers’ lives has no place in the modern labour market,” stated ABWU General Secretary, David Massiah. “We will meet with the affected workers and, if necessary, stage a picket to publicly condemn the actions of the company.”
The ABWU stands in full and unwavering solidarity with the terminated workers and will pursue every course of action, including the industrial court, to ensure that these individuals receive the justice they deserve.
The Union urges the management of Jumby Bay Resort to immediately reconsider its position, reinstate the workers, and allow good sense and reasonableness to prevail.
