President of the WIFOL Theophilus Thompson told reporters on Tuesday that the resort was auctioned on December 16th where the financiers became the owners.
Thompson said the company's attorney indicated to the union that their intention is to lay off all workers of Pelican Resort and rehire them on short term contracts. Thompson said the union held several meetings with the company and they also made their position clear where they indicated that they will not accept the firing of their members. Thompson said he does not understand why the company wants to terminate the workers because even though the owners might be new, management of the company remains the same.
Thompson said the workers went through their own turmoil when they were informed that they will no longer be working on a five day work week but four days per week. Thompson said the union has taken management to court and the matter is still pending.
Thompson said they discovered that one of the associates of management that is still managing the resort is now the owner of the new companies. Thompson further explained that some the workers have worked for over 20 years, they are experienced workers and the union is yet to understand why the new management wants to lay off the workers to rehire them as short term workers. "These workers would be unsecure and we have already indicated to the labour mediator that the union and its members will not be signing any short term agreements with management of Pelican Resort."
Thompson informed the media that the workers were threatened by management that if they do not sign a new working agreement with them, then management will outsource their vacancies. The WIFOL president said that while St. Maarten and its unions are fighting to protect workers and their rights.
"Jules James is supposed to be working on laws to protect the community and workers yet he is the one exploiting the Pelican workers something we intend to take further", said Thompson.
"Simpsonbay Resort Management Company" Chamber of Commerce Registration
"Simpson Bay Resort Owner Company" Chamber of Commerce Registration
