PM Browne Urges Sandals to Reconsider Tipping Policy, Protect Workers’ Rights –CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on Sandals Resorts to revise its controversial no-tipping policy, describing it as unfair to hotel staff.
Speaking yesterday on the Browne and Browne show on Pointe FM, Browne noted the importance of allowing workers to supplement their income through gratuities, particularly in light of the financial challenges many face.
“Leave them with a tip, man,” Browne appealed, recounting an incident where a staff member received a generous tip but was forced to hand it over due to company policy.
He criticized the practice as unnecessarily harsh, particularly given the low wages in the hospitality sector. Browne also denounced reports that employees had been penalized for accepting tips, calling the policy “cruel.”
The Prime Minister revealed that the government has been considering legislative measures to address the issue.
“We are thinking about going to Parliament to pass legislation,” he stated, adding that such a law would apply across the hospitality industry. Browne expressed hope, however, that Sandals would voluntarily amend its policy, avoiding the need for government intervention.
With an eye on protecting the welfare of workers generally he proposed legislative changes to ensure that companies owning hotel properties are held accountable for severance in the event of liquidation or sale. The proposed reforms aim to strengthen worker protections and close loopholes that could leave employees vulnerable.
The Prime Minister extended his critique to the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, accusing it of inadequate representation for hotel employees. He suggested that the union use its financial resources to develop housing projects for members, an initiative he believes could significantly improve their living standards.
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Well done Mr prime minister . Those bas…ds are exploiting us. That’s A Form Of Slavery.Also there are a lot more things that needs changing quick and fast.
My first job, only on duty for about 3 weeks. Accepted tips, $5 to be exact, and I was fired. They said, “you are the best out there but you accepted the tip, so we must let you go”. The only thing I did “wrong”, and because I am new and on 30 day probation I am fired for accepting what was offered to me? Honestly, if I had a time machine I would accept the tip again, once offered to me.
You fired what you considered to be the best out there and most moralistic and legalistic person. Who was and is so by the book. I did nothabe friends if they smoked, I did not have friends if they steal, I did not have friends if they were rude. I literally cut off people who were like that.
I was and is a man of morals and law, and you fired me for accepting what was offered to me and that which I wanted, a tip.
The requirement in the employment contract was not valid.
The fear solution to this problem is to allow Sandals to market tips are not encouraged but no penalty or breach can be had for guest offering tips and employees accepting the tips for their own personal use. Once offered to them without pressure from employees.
I am fair even when you are evil. Including to that one idiot on this medium.
Did Gaston learn of this practice just last week? I am convinced that he knew from it’s inception. Like the good guy he is, he allows and covers improprieties, and at the opportune time he reveals them with pretending annoyance as though he’s there to save the day. We have seen it with Asot Michael and heard of the numerous times he had to shield our treasury from him. Gaston is as predictable as the result of gasoline poured on fire.