Minister Wilson: Hospitality Industry Job Fair
[Updated with video] A partnership with the Department of Labour & Training and Bermuda Hotel Association [BHA] will see a Hospitality Industry Job Fair held on Thursday, 17 February, 2011 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson said: “There are hundreds of job opportunities available within the industry. Hotel partners will come together at this forum to share myriad opportunities and to accept applications. The Island’s Hospitality Industry is seeking to employ Bermudians in a variety of entry-level positions in order to capitalize on the benefits realized by having a local workforce. The Department of Labour and Training will use the event to update its database and ensure that all persons that attend the job fair are registered with them.”
Last week, the Minister announced that there will be a three-month moratorium on the granting of work permits for landscape gardeners, cleaners, kitchen and bar porters, housekeepers and skilled labourers.
The Minister encouraged all Bermudians who are seeking employment to attend this job fair, saying “I stand ready to support the Bermudian workforce but please remember that the Government cannot compromise a business community already under serious pressure because of a sense of entitlement.”
Saying “these are indeed tough times for all of us – so please take responsibility for your future,” the Minister reminded people that “a lower wage is better than no wage – don’t choose not to work over working for a lower than desired salary.”
If you are a hospitality industry employer, who is not a member of the BHA and you are interested in having a presence at the Hospitality Industry Job Fair, please contact the Director at the Department of Labour and Training at 297-7716.
Minister Wilson’s full remarks follow below:
Good afternoon and thank you for being here today.
I am pleased that representatives from the Bermuda Hotel Association have joined with me this afternoon to make this all important appeal to our fellow Bermudians.
Our message today is simple – consider the Hospitality Industry. Bermuda Tourism needs you.
The hospitality industry is an exciting and inspiring career choice. People working in the industry are generally adventurous people who have a love for sharing their interests and experiences with others.
Many will argue that the hours are long and the work is hard, however Bermudians have never been afraid of hard work as you will recall that Bermudians once dominated the hospitality industry workforce.
Over the past few months the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has sought to introduce innovative solutions aimed at sustaining and safeguarding our Bermudian workforce, as well as ensuring that the needs of our business partners were adequately addressed.
Last week, I announced that there will be a three-month moratorium on the granting of work permits for landscape gardeners, cleaners, kitchen and bar porters, housekeepers and skilled labourers.
Well, fresh challenges often create new opportunities.
And so today I am pleased to stand in partnership with the Bermuda Hotel Association to announce the Hospitality Industry Job Fair in cooperation with the Department of Labour and Training. The job fair will take place on Thursday, 17 February, 2011 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There are hundreds of job opportunities available within the industry.
Hotel partners will come together at this forum to share myriad opportunities and to accept applications. The Island’s Hospitality Industry is seeking to employ Bermudians in a variety of entry-level positions in order to capitalize on the benefits realized by having a local workforce.
The Department of Labour and Training will use the event to update its database and ensure that all persons that attend the job fair are registered with them.
I, the Minister, will use this opportunity to meet with and talk to people who are seeking employment. I need to know who you are and understand your challenges if I am to work on your behalf to assist you further.
I encourage all Bermudians who are seeking employment to attend this job fair. Dress to impress. Bring your resumes. Be prepared to put your best foot forward. This is your opportunity to do what YOU need to do to get employed.
I stand ready to support the Bermudian workforce but please remember that the Government cannot compromise a business community already under serious pressure because of a sense of entitlement.
These are indeed tough times for all of us – so please take responsibility for your future. Simply put:
1. A lower wage is better than no wage – don’t choose not to work over working for a lower than desired salary.
2. Get out there and go on interviews dressed appropriately and speaking clearly; and
3. Be productive, don’t stay home if it’s raining. You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem.Finally, if you are a hospitality industry employer, who is not a member of the BHA and you are interested in having a presence at the Hospitality Industry Job Fair, please contact Director at the Department of Labour and Training at 297-7716 today.
Thank you.
I now invite the BHA representatives to say a few words.
Update Feb 15: There is conflicting info about the location, and Government officials confirmed today that the location is Hamilton Princess.
You know, I recently applied for a job at Fairmont Southampton, where I have worked previously, and although I interviewed for the same position I had previously worked I never got a call back, even though I am now more qualified then I ever was. There were lots of listings posted. And I know that I am a good employee. So I somehow don’t know how true this is.
Don’t hold your breath buddy, they did the same to me. They are interested in hiring Bermudian Housekeepers and Pot washers only, I was in middle management any they won’t hire me. You have to wait till that regime they have in HR changes.
Funny, I know quite a few young Bermudians who have jobs/had jobs at one or the other Fairmont. I see locals working up there regularly, and for a long while I have not seen a Bermudian housekeeper -or waiter for that matter. I am sure there are some. Why didn’t you call back and ask about your application?
Better still email, asking for a response with reasons so that you can improve whatever they deem lacking. Nothing more damaging than a paper trail to take to immigration. Otherwise it is no more than a he says she says with nothing to verify either one.
Been there done that, took it to immigration, took it to the department of labour, which is what you are encouraged to do. But then your blackballed as a “trouble maker” and you will never have the chance. The Fairmonts have a notorious reputation for this.
I suspect same thing. Attitude problem or management issue at HR. I also used to work there.
Too bad Kim will not admit she can’t do a damn thing about the work permits issued by Immigration Dept…. it’s not her Ministry. Same old, same old. Congressional Committee in Washington found Government and Banks responsible for Crisis, but they’re pay won’t go down – just up, but we should work for less.
One theory of immigration distinguishes between Push and Pull. Push factors refer primarily to the motive for emigration from the country of origin. In the case of economic migration (usually labour migration), differentials in wage rates are prominent. If the value of wages in the new country surpasses the value of wages in one’s native country, he or she may choose to migrate as long as the costs are not too high.
Now the costs have risen too high in Bermuda we have lost the Pull factor. We are no longer sought after by foreign labour for entry level employment.
Is there the slightest possibility the business community isn’t behind this, complicit? Not one comment. On any forum. They now need my people to fill the jobs they fought to keep foreign.
The reality is they now want the people they failed in the education system, the ones living in house,with Mom, without rent and those on Government subsidy, to suddenly take over these positions no longer desired by foreign nationals. And remove them from Government subsidy.
Social assistance cannot be maintained any more..
A first world economy would be seeking to protect jobs higher up the food chain. These jobs, here in Bermuda, have an absolute gaurantee of protection.
It’s so sad my Government is pushing this. Well,
It’s insulting.
My people deserve better, always have.
SJS
Minister,
There was a time under the UBP where Bermudians held most of the senior hotel jobs on this island. There where quality Bermudians that filled Human Resource Director, Director of Sales and Marketing, Food & Beverage Director, Financial Controller, Front Office Manager, Front Desk Manager, Reservation Manager and other management positions at the top hotels. And while I can’t speak for all hotels, I can tell you that some of these hotels where profitable.It is important that one understands that the Director roles are two steps away from being General Manager. In between you have Hotel Manager / Resident Manager roles. Roles that have been used locally as pacifiers rather than the reason for which they where created and that is as a grooming ground / sort of finishing position for aspiring Directors looking to become GM’s. Not roles where people go and stay forever. Simply put, by doing so it stymies the growth of those directly below them.
Then something happened and it correlated with the the arrival of the PLP. Many of those in the industry welcomed the new government but would come to rue that day. The vast majority of those folk that had worked their way up to senior roles after proving themselves both in Bermuda and in many senior roles with hotels outside of Bermuda, left the industry never to look back. Look around Minister and ask yourself why there aren’t any Bermudian General Managers at the EB-B; Fairmont Southampton and Hamilton Princess. And if your answer is that we didn’t have any qualified Bermudians, you would be shamefully wrong. Make no mistake, we had qualified Bermudians! Qualified Bermudians that your party failed. It’s equally shameful that you run these promotional pieces looking to fill low level positions with Bermudians but you as a party have failed in assuring that qualified Bermudians where given the same opportunity to rise to the most senior positions. The same opportunities given to folk like John Jeffries, Billy Griffith, Clarence Hoffheins and so many more, who came to this country as middle managers. And please do not insult me and those who know better with the suggestion that they worked hard, where smarter and deserved these opportunities over Bermudians.
One Love,
You are on point with your responding comments!!
you are correct! great post
Thanks Minister for the etiquette and elocution suggestions. Wow!
Yes wow, when we have guest workers who cannot speak clearly as well, hospitality in Bermuda is so crappy. I went to a restaurant last week, ordered a chicken salad wrap, when I bit into the wrap it was nothing but lettuce, when I complained to the waiter, he said the chicken is on the otherside of the wrap; what poor service. He was an expat, so where do we stand crap service from everyone.Maybe we need people who really want to work hospitality- Bermudian and non-Bermudian, people who actually care and have fun in what they are doing.
Why are they bothering to hold a Job Fair for Hotel employment yet again? What happened to the applications from the last fair and the one before that? Many people have applied and have had no call back despite being in the hospitality arena and having experience! I wouldn’t waste my time applying as I would be discouraged by now…and look how many hoteliers are receiving assistance because they are laid off because there are no visitors coming….and you can’t say that they should save their money during the peak season..what peak season? I know workers that have had their work week shortened off and on since August!
And that’s why we have fewer jobs on the island. Attitude. No one really wants to bother anymore because it is better to bitch.
Joe…which came first, the chicken or the egg?
it was the egg..
the chickens immediate ancestor laid the “mutated” egg, which then developed into the first chicken.
All this is…is LIP SERVICE to the masses!!!
So, we have Bermudians being told to take $10 per hour jobs and “half a loaf is better than none”. All the while, the price of food goes up, the cost of health care goes up. the cost of fuel goes up, and landlords aren’t lowering rent. So let’s be clear on who “half a loaf is better than none” really applies to. It only applies to the little guy! I ask all ministers PLP,UBP,BDA when are you going to take YOUR pay cut???? We are ALL waiting for your contribution to this recession.
Sara you are so negative about everything….these jobs are called entry level for a reason. They are for people who are unemployed, lack professional or tradsmen skills, or are otherwise unsuitible for any other type of job…..since you are always on this site 24/7….I presume you don’t have to work, so these jobs are not 4 u
She’s too busy getting mellow with ganja
Wrong again as usual.
Wrong again as usual. How’s that condo coming along?
Sara – I definitely agree with you today !!!!!
You will never catch up on bills, late rent , lets not even talk about the grocery store!!
Milk, eggs, bread , butter, flour, etc..all need a standard price and not allowed to exceed, as we CANNOT shop abraod for everyday necessities!
Dunkleys needs a ringer – $5+ for a carton of milk. Decent bread-$5+ -how are people to feed their families? MERCY!
i do have to laugh when recently the politicians are saying they did indeed take a pay cut when they declined the raises last year..
fyi mp’s.. page freeze does not mean pay cut! you didnt cut anything, you are still taking in the same amount as last year and the year before.
Did you see Dale Butler’s comment on Facebook about how he can’t take a pay cut because he put his sons through college and he has bills to pay and cry cry cry. Hi-f*^king-larious.
AND I QUOTE:
Dale Butler Sorry I won’t be donating my parliamentary salary to anyone. I also have expenses. Just put 2 sons through university and have those bills to pay off along with regular bills and have been on a bike since resigning. (Although we had scholar…ship funds set aside it was still a struggle but we did it….scholarships did help and the same advice I was giving to parents for years helped my own sons and those who took that advice) But no complaints.
And there lies the rub! Far too many polititians are there for the money, not there to give service to the Island. It is whats in it for ME. Giving credit where due IMO Dale Butler, though he does have an ego that needs pampering, gives far more to the community than most of the scoundrels on the Hill. Too many show up for roll call, disappear, & are never heard to speak.
Say what you want about the old way, at least the MPs back then did not rely on an MPs salarly. They had fulltime jobs outside of politics. Yeah, sure they looked after their businesses too but if their businesses were succesful so was the Island as a whole. If the Island was successful there was money to pay taxes, money for Government services.
YOU!! yes YOU Minister take a PAY CUT and just try to live on a LOW WAGE!!
GO ON!! I DEFY You to even try!
YOU couldnt do it and YOU wont even try…
so DONT even go there with your PATHETIC Speeches!!
as for the Hotels,some of these Managers and General Managers and HR Staff need to be KICKED OUT of the jobs they are NOT doing.
There are two sides to every issue & somewhere in the middle lies the truth. I have no doubt that hotel management is less than honorable. Far too often Bermudian work ethic is less than stellar too.
It has been us & them for far too long. Long ago the person who pays the freight, the visitor, was neglected & forgotten. Throw in clueless Ministers & a DOT that has not produced much for many many years & there is no surprise that so many rooms are in darkness at night.
At some point everyone has to realize that they are part of a team & Bermuda is a whole package, not just the hotel property.
So, we have Bermudians being told to take $10 per hour jobs and “half a loaf is better than none”. All the while, the price of food goes up, the cost of health care goes up. the cost of fuel goes up, and landlords aren’t lowering rent. So let’s be clear on who “half a loaf is better than none” really applies to. It only applies to the little guy!
I would strongly suggest that if ministers are serious about this situation in Bermuda, they TAKE A PAY CUT TOO! This applies to the PLP, UBP, and BDA! Lead by example!
Sara, Bermuda has little control over the cost of food. We grow virtually nothing. We get on planes in a heartbeat to get healthcare in the US because we don’t trust KEMH. The price of fuel is not determined by us except for the duty on it (over 50%). You had better look around & see what has been happening in the rental market for the past 18 months. Rents, particularly in the top & mid level units have been plummeting. Have you noticed how many are sitting empty, especially at the ends of the Island?
Foreclosures are coming soon to a neighbourhood near you. People who bought high in the last 10 years thinking the bubble would never burst are in for a nasty surprise. The mortgage goes on, rented or not.
Polititians should do the honorable thing & take a pay cut. Unfortunately when you look around The Hill you won’t see much Honor.
The US is climbing out of its recession. People are spending. People are working. People are traveling, but not to Bermuda. Meanwhile here In Bermuda we are still going downhill. The bottom is not in sight. The days of picking & choosing jobs in Bermuda are over. We were warned this was coming. Warned many times. Those who could have taken fiscal action to lessen the impact partied on. Now their ineptness costs us over $100,000.000 per day in interest alone.
eloquently put.
Look this is not a joke anymore, even I feel your are to many expat’s
working in Bermuda now. I have had a lot of very good Bermudian’s
work for me and yes I have had to lay off some bad one. but most of
them I talk with about what the problem’s were and that only they could
fix it. I train them and show them that are part of team and they know
we win together or lose together and most Important is I Respect them
I know of so many Bermudian’s that are out of work now good Bermudians
and all I here from other expats is good for them!
This is Lip service, this is there Bermuda and we need to start helping
not bad mouthing Bermudian’s
Well said.
last Month MPs along with the civil service were giving themselves a 4% pension increase.Now they are telling those in the private sector to take 1/2 a loaf. How about you practice what you preach!
take a PAY CUT ? Don’t make me laugh ..the pigs at the trough don’t even want to pay parking tickets !
They don’t need to feel the pain the rest of us suffer , they are the chosen few, the black bourgeois elite