Staff Assemble Over Redundancy Payments
A group of Fairmont Southampton workers assembled outside of the hotel after “receiving communication from their employer informing them that their redundancy payments will be delayed,” the Government confirmed today, adding that the Ministry has been in contact with the owners, and the workers “will receive redundancy payments on or before November 20th.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Labour can advise that it was recently made aware of a group of Fairmont Southampton hotel workers due to receive their redundancy payments today, October 23, 2020, have assembled outside of the hotel after receiving communication from their employer informing them that their redundancy payments will be delayed. These events are most unfortunate, particularly in the current economic climate.”
Minister of Labour Jason Hayward said, “While I understand and appreciate the frustration and disappointment that will arise, I want to reassure the workers that the Ministry has been in contact with the workers’ BIU representative and that Gencom, owners of the property, have communicated that employees of Fairmont Southampton will receive redundancy payments on or before November 20th.”
“The Bermuda Government accepts that this one of the largest number of redundancies ever made in Bermuda by a single employer, and as such creates a level of complexity to execute. However, I again want to reassure the workers that the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Finance, will continue to actively engage with industry stakeholders to support them and ensure their rights are protected.”
“The Ministry of Labour would also like to remind employers of their legal responsibility to pay severance allowance under Section 23 of the Employment Act 2000 and any relevant Collective Bargaining Agreement.”
“Minister of Labour Jason Hayward said, “While I understand and appreciate the frustration and disappointment that will arise, I want to reassure the workers that the Ministry has been in contact with the workers’ BIU representative and that Gencom, owners of the property, have communicated that employees of Fairmont Southampton will receive redundancy payments on or before November 20th.”
Only 4 weeks late then. Nothing to worry about!
No doubt the BIU will step in the help the workers who have paid their union dues in expectation of help. Or has the BIU spent all that money on paying the management and staff, leaving the workers nothing?