Sandals Staff Meeting Sparks Optimism Amid Dispute Over Tipping Policy
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has welcomed assurances from Sandals Resorts following a recent staff meeting, where the company reportedly sought to reassure employees amid ongoing tensions with the government over its tipping policy and other operational matters.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne show on Pointe FM, Browne noted that Sandals assured staff there would be no retaliatory actions, including hotel closures, during the dispute.
He described this as a positive step toward maintaining stability in the hospitality sector.
“I’m very happy to hear that,” Browne said, reflecting on Sandals’ history of what he termed “knee-jerk reactions” during conflicts. “This shows a level of maturity in addressing the issue.”
The Prime Minister also welcomed a clarification provided by Sandals regarding its request for duty-free concessions on luxury vehicles.
According to Sandals, the vehicles were intended for staff use, not for operating taxi services.
Browne acknowledged the clarification but reaffirmed the government’s stance against allowing foreign-owned hotels to compete with local taxi operators.
“I stand corrected on their intent,” Browne said, adding that he appreciated Sandals’ cooperation on this matter. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting industries reserved for Antiguans and Barbudans, such as taxi services.
During the staff meeting, Sandals reportedly addressed allegations that its no-tipping policy has led to punitive measures against employees. Browne welcomed the resort’s attempt to engage with staff on these issues but continued to press for a change in the policy, which he described as “cruel” and detrimental to workers’ livelihoods.
He reiterated his call for Sandals to stop firing employees for accepting tips and to reconsider its position on allowing gratuities, even if the company discourages active solicitation. “It’s time to realign the policy to ensure that staff are treated fairly,” Browne said.
“The matter has been discussed at the Cabinet level,” Browne said. “We hope Sandals and other hotels will act responsibly so that we don’t have to go to Parliament.”
“We value Sandals as a brand,” Browne said, “but it’s critical that they align with the principles of fairness and equity that we expect in our country.”
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Why should Sandals get duty free vehicles for staff? And by staff, I assume that means foreign management staff. So is this how government gives away duty frees to foreign businesses? If as a local business I out in for duty free vehicles for my staff, will I get it? Sandals would not br applying out of the blue. Obviously this has been granted in the past.
The duty free request was declined. I corrected the misunderstanding on the intended purpose, but we did not reversed our decision to decline the tax waiver request.
Blessings.
Truth seeker, when last did you invest US$200 million dollars into the economy or employ 1000 people? These things are investor incentives. Please make sense.
@Frank you must be Sandals management
Tell dem fu tap try tek bread outta neargah mouth. Taximen need to make a living too
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