NEGRIL, Jamaica— A recent closed-door meeting between Royalton Negril management, local tourism officials, and key stakeholders has yielded positive outcomes, signaling a potential turning point in the ongoing disputes between the resort and its employees. The discussions, held in the wake of a significant staff protest earlier this week, focused on improving working conditions, addressing employee grievances, and ensuring a stable future for Royalton’s workforce.
Elaine Allen Bradley, President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, expressed optimism after attending the meeting. “I feel confident about the direction we’re headed,” said Bradley, reflecting on the points raised during the talks. “There’s a real sense that changes are already being implemented to address staff concerns, especially after the recent unrest.”
The protest, which erupted on Monday, saw employees taking to the streets to voice frustrations over poor working conditions, long hours, low pay, and inadequate meal provisions. The disruption left hotel operations severely impacted, with guests forced to find their own meals as services at the resort came to a standstill. Some guests even joined the protest, while others took to social media to support the striking workers.
In response to the escalating situation, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett intervened, holding a meeting with Royalton management and establishing a task force to review labor practices in the tourism sector. Led by Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, the task force is expected to deliver a comprehensive report within two weeks, aimed at preventing similar incidents from recurring.
Bradley highlighted that key issues such as the importance of long-term contracts for employees and the impact of temporary contracts on workers’ financial stability were discussed. “Temporary contracts make it impossible for workers to build a stable future. They can’t secure loans or plan for long-term investments,” she said. Bartlett, in turn, acknowledged the need for more secure employment arrangements and promised to review contract structures within the industry.
Further discussions centered on the need for improved staff training and the expansion of the tourism pension scheme, both of which were seen as critical to boosting employee morale and retention. With a shortage of skilled labor across the sector, the importance of investing in workers was a recurring theme.
Daniel Lozano, Senior Vice President of Blue Diamond International, Royalton’s parent company, traveled to Jamaica to directly address the issues raised by the staff. He met with the management team and some employees to understand their concerns, and it was revealed that the hotel’s general manager, whom employees had identified as a key source of tension, has been suspended.
Bradley also emphasized her role in ensuring follow-up on the promises made during the meeting. “I made it clear that we, as a community, will be keeping an eye on the progress. It’s important that these changes are not just temporary fixes but permanent solutions for the benefit of everyone,” she stated.
Following the discussions, stakeholders were invited to tour the staff canteen, an area of particular concern during the protests. “It was reassuring to see that improvements had already been made, but I made it clear that this needs to be permanent, not just a quick fix,” Bradley added.
The closed-door meeting marks a critical step toward resolving the issues at Royalton Negril, with both management and employees hopeful for meaningful changes moving forward.
