Tourism Sector in Jamaica Facing Setbacks Amid Hotel Staff Protests

The tourism industry in Jamaica is on edge as recent protest actions at local resorts raise concerns over the sector’s stability and reputation. Worries escalated yesterday when employees at Secrets and Breathless resorts in Montego Bay, St. James, staged a strike, citing exploitative working conditions. Staff members did not return to work by 4:00 p.m., awaiting a follow-up meeting with management and representatives from Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

This protest is the second within Jamaica’s hotel industry in three weeks, following a similar strike at Royalton Negril on National Heroes Day. Workers at Secrets and Breathless complained of long hours without overtime, late wages, and what they described as “untenable” treatment by management, saying, “We feel like slaves, working from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. without any remunerations.”

Working Conditions and Health Concerns

Several employees detailed the physical toll of their jobs, with one food and beverage worker recounting how long shifts led her to develop a serious vein condition that required costly surgery. Staff noted that a lack of experienced personnel compounded these issues, as they were often required to train new hires while maintaining service standards, causing further strain.

A major point of contention was the change in hotel ownership. The Secrets and Breathless properties, previously owned by AMResorts and now managed by Hyatt, have reportedly changed hands again, with employees claiming that management provided no communication or support during the transition.

Industry-Wide Financial Strain

The protests come as Jamaica’s tourism sector struggles under multiple pressures, including recent travel advisories from Canada and the United States, storm damage earlier in the year, and an ongoing water crisis in Negril. The increased severity of the hurricane season, coupled with issues like poor road conditions and heavy traffic between key resort areas, has also dampened prospects.

As a result, many hotels have resorted to borrowing funds to cover essential expenses like payroll. The downturn has prompted the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) to forecast a slight economic decline of 0.2 percent for the current financial year.

Calls for Improvement in Worker Treatment and Industry Cooperation

Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism, Janice Allen, who visited with employees, stressed the importance of fair treatment and job security for tourism workers, especially those who have been on yearly contracts for over a decade. “This lack of job security restricts their ability to plan financially and pursue outside opportunities,” she said, emphasizing that tourism should not only serve the economy but also support its workforce.

With Jamaica’s winter tourism season set to begin on December 15, hoteliers warn that unresolved tensions between management and staff could impact service quality and guest satisfaction, deterring visitors and slowing the industry’s recovery. A hotelier commented, “Workers need to be engaged and informed of the industry’s challenges to foster a collaborative approach.”

The Ministry of Labour is expected to hold a follow-up meeting with staff today to address their grievances, while resort management has requested 24 hours to respond to employee concerns. The situation highlights a delicate balance that Jamaica’s tourism industry must maintain: addressing worker needs while navigating financial constraints.