Resort staff in Vanuatu agree to resume work after stand down
They were reportedly unhappy over working conditions and new management authority that they work under.
The industrial action was a result of long time issues unresolved following the first strike notice in July this year.
Majority of these workers who are members of the Vanuatu National Workers Union (VNWU) raised grievance against the company for a number of concerns that includes severances and end of year bonuses.
The Daily Post understands that in November, signatures were gathered for a petition to have a senior officer of Le Lagon removed.
This officer was recruited from overseas last year.
According to the workers union, complaints were made that the officer has an attitude of “disrespect” in the work place.
That he is not implementing the measures set out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or Collective Employment Agreement, VNWU added.
A reliable source within the resort pointed out that his behavior is creating an environment difficult for all staff to work in.
Another reason workers ceased to work yesterday is probably because they (workers) have not been given a commission as promised after working hard to repair the damaged resort after cyclone Pam, a source conveyed.
Warwick was able to get its image back to operation before other resorts and hotels in Port Vila on the commending manpower of its own staff.
VNWU told Daily Post that the suspension of a colleague who has not return since nine months was another query for the unhappy workers.
A senior officer in the resort said the action is quite shocking.
He said it’s “a shame” that the move was taken by a small number of workers and has jeopardized others, preventing them from attending work.
“It’s been a terrible year for everyone. We have been struggling to sustain tourism. This attitude does not show a true reflection,” he said.
He confirmed a petition signed few days ago involved a third of the Warwick staff but there is a need for further investigation.
Secretary of the Vanuatu National Workers Union, Ephraim Kalsakau, commented that the issue is a consequence of poor working system.
Like other pacific nations, the process of dealing with disputes in Vanuatu, as such by the resort is weak, he pointed out.
He said such matters are supposed to be dealt with in one month and not more.
Following the issue, the Department of Labour, represented by the Commissioner of Labor, Lionel Kaluat, has stepped in to chair a meeting between the VNWU, Warwick Union representative including the GM Clowes.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) was signed and agreed for the parties to discuss these pending issues on January 6 at 11am.
All staff have agreed to resume work.
Source: Vanuatu Daily Post
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