The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is committed to ensuring the resilience and growth of the Jamaican hotel industry for the benefit of all Jamaicans. Tourism is a vital pillar of our economy, providing jobs and opportunities for thousands of individuals nationwide.
Addressing Challenges
The JHTA has alongside our members been actively addressing the numerous challenges facing the tourism sector, including those impacting our valued team members. As said in our previous press release, we formed a working committee to investigate the root causes of the issues raised by the recent unrest by some workers in the industry and to explore practical solutions.
Survey Findings
We have since conducted a fairly broad-based salary survey, with the findings indicating that our hotel sector in the main offers competitive combined remuneration of basic salary and gratuity,but it also showed opportunities for improvements in some properties.
Not surprisingly, the survey found that gratuity payments fluctuated from property to property,which is naturally caused by there being varied room counts, room rates and room occupancy percentages. That being said, it is clear that our members must do everything possible to ensure a greater understanding by their team members of how their respective properties’ gratuity schemes are structured and how payment for overtime, time off etc. work. The JHTA is committed to helping all its members, where necessary.
Ongoing Discussions and Corrective Measures
The JHTA and its members have heard clearly the cries for greater communication, which is the best way to ensure a mutually beneficial workplace environment. Where disagreements may exist, the space must always be made for detailed and lengthy discussions that will lead to accommodations for all sides.
All our discussions with member properties affected by industrial relations actions have proved very productive and we are glad to see that corrective measures have and continue to be implemented where needed. We feel confident that these properties remain committed to further dialogue and action to achieve lasting resolutions that benefit both employees and employers.
Peer Support and Best Practices
The JHTA is continuing to provide peer support services to our members and encouraging the sharing of best practices to ensure that every property operates at the highest standard. A Shared National Priority We recognize that tourism is a shared national priority, and its success depends on the collective efforts of all Jamaicans. To that end, we have also been engaged in talks with both the
Government and Opposition, where there is no dissonance on the importance of tourism to the Jamaican economy, as we are no less aligned on the fact that our workers who are the backbone of the industry should feel satisfied with their benefits generated by tourism.
Maintaining a healthy balance between the interests of our valued employees and those of the tourism operators is essential for the continued success of our industry and the well-being of all Jamaicans. Ensuring our visitors continue to enjoy Jamaica’s tourism offerings is also paramount. Call for Due Process We urge all team members to exhaust the established processes for resolving workplace concerns, including engaging with HR Departments and their executive teams, the Ministry of Labour, and if necessary, referring matters to the IDT before resorting to disruptive strikes. As we remain in a highly competitive industry, strikes can damage the Brand Jamaica image and negatively impact the livelihoods of the very hotel sector employees who are seeking redress, and in turn impact communities and the wider economy.
Looking to the Future The JHTA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Jamaica remains a leading tourism destination where workers, employers, and all stakeholders can thrive together. We are dedicated to fostering a mutually beneficial and harmonious environment for all.
Jamaica Highlights 