Browne Proposes Company Act Amendment to Safeguard Workers’ Rights in Antigua’s Hotel Industry
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has voiced concerns over employment practices within Antigua’s hospitality sector, specifically addressing what he describes as “layered” corporate structures that, he argues, expose hotel workers to financial vulnerability.
Citing Sandals Resorts as a notable example, Browne explained that while companies like Andrew Holmes and Wreyberry Limited own the hotels and assets, a separate management company employs the workers—creating a risk that could prevent workers from receiving severance or benefits in case of liquidation.
The Prime Minister said that the structure allows the asset-holding company to generate and receive revenue while the management company, which has limited assets, holds the employment contracts.
He cautioned that this setup jeopardizes workers’ rights and noted that, in the event of financial hardship or liquidation, workers could face obstacles in securing severance, as the employing entity might lack the resources to fulfill its obligations.
Speaking on his weekly radio program, Browne asserted that the Antigua Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has not been sufficiently proactive on this issue, alleging that some union officials have become “too political” and have overlooked pressing labor rights concerns.
Browne claimed that certain union representatives have accepted benefits from hotels, including meals and other minor perks, which he argues compromises their ability to advocate fully for the workforce.
He announced his intention to amend the Companies Act to ensure accountability and protect employees’ financial rights. Under the proposed change, companies that own primary assets and generate revenue—rather than management entities—would be directly responsible for severance payments and other employee entitlements, with these obligations becoming a priority charge on the property in case of liquidation.
He stated, “I’m committed to take this matter to the Cabinet—not this week, as I’m going to be away next week—and to amend the Companies Act to state very clearly that the companies that actually own the assets that generate the business activity… will be responsible for the severance, and that the severance will be a first charge on the property in the event of liquidation.”
“This is not about targeting any single hotel operator,” Browne stated, adding that the law would apply equally across the sector.
“We want to use examples like Sandals to show that such practices must end.”
Browne further indicated his commitment to bring this issue to Cabinet for formal consideration after his return from an upcoming trip, reiterating his stance on protecting workers’ rights in the hotel industry.
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Guess this does not apply to the govt especially concerning the LIAT issue
Well SAID ZACKIE TWO THIEVES MAKE GOD LAUGH.
Zackie..Give our Prime Minister Thumbs up for looking out for the hard working Citizens . Sandals Don’t pay taxes..Are you ssying that’s right. Zackie open your DAMN brain and understand what our Prime Minister is do8ng. He is not AFRAID.
Remember the following????
LIAT
SCOTIA BANK
UNIVERSITY
Now He is taking on Sandals
Our Prime Minister always win. He NAR FRAID.
Interesting, and it does make sense; however, why single out just the Hotel Industry? Why not all businesses, include the financial sector, construction and as, @Zackie mentioned, the government.
Speaking of ‘perks,’ I’m quite sure, that politicians get their share of free meals and accommodations.
I don’t know, how strong the Unions are when it comes to the construction [boom], as is been reported?
A…do the Unions collaborate with, or have their own Certification Centers in the Trades (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry); and, even in the prison to place MEMBERS on these large scale projects?
The PM and his Cabinet have already signaled, that they’re willing to allow [more] non-nationals to fill vacancies, on these construction projects.
Regardless, of what the PM is alluding to, in terms of UNIONS and their Leadership being POLITICAL, the PM knows this is nothing new. All politicians all over look to Unions, not only for their endorsement, but their financial support as well.
A strong UNION is needed in the CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, even more so, than the hospitality industry.
BTW – when will Antigua builds, manages, their own HOSPITALITY BRAND. Heck, the government is into everything else.
Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknee
De’Ole Dutty Peg🦉Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
I agree with the PM and also with @Zackie and Ras Smood.
The way these businesses enter into their employment contract seems to be to protect itself from major lawsuits but in a deceptive way.
The actual hotel would say they are not in contract with the employees but another entity is. But I am not sure that would work based on equity, unjust enrichment, assignment, fraudulent concealment/omission, adhesion, procedural and substantive unconscionability.
Some of these may not be applicable in Antigua law but i would still certainly present them to the court.
What about the people who work in these Chinese and Syrian stores? They replace workers every day. Who’s looking into their social security, medical benefits and severance payments? And working conditions? It’s a shame how the black man has become a slave once again in their own country.
@Zackie November 11, 2024 At 6:32 am
“Guess this does not apply to the govt especially concerning the LIAT issue”
i’m gonna give you a new name. And that is “Dumb Dumb.”. Liat was a company that went bankrupt and the Asset that Liat had were not enough to pay severance. And since in a company the shareholders are only responsible or liable up to the amount of their shareholding, the shareholding governments are not liable for any other debt of the company. They did gave a guurantee outside of their normal liability to CDB for the loan LIAT took to buy some of the planes. And those are the planes the Antigua government bought and the monies will go to CDB to offset against the loan. So dumb dumb learn and educate yourself.
Is one ton a shell company own another spread across various jurisdictions. He is not lieing saying they took a “layered” approach.
You haffi search Jamaica/Bahamas/Miami to find the real beneficiaries. Is a real tie up mi bredda.
But, Lets go PM, tell them the Math’s is not mathing.
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