A local resort employee has called on the Labour Department to intervene in a workplace dispute involving alleged victimisation and the removal of a staff benefit, according to Antigua Observer.
An industrial relations consultant has formally written to the department requesting a conciliatory meeting between the employee and the resort, with the aim of resolving the matter before it escalates to the Industrial Court.
Documents submitted to the Labour Department outline the employee's claim that she was suspended after a guest she had brought to the resort on a staff guest pass raised concerns with a manager about the absence of air conditioning in the department where she worked. The complaint states that the employee was present during the exchange but took no part in the conversation.
The consultant further alleges that during a subsequent disciplinary hearing, the employer failed to produce any evidence that the employee had committed misconduct. The complaint also contends that the hearing ended abruptly after the employer asked the employee and her representative to leave the office before proceedings had concluded.
Following the hearing, the employer informed the employee that she was no longer eligible for the staff guest pass benefit. The employer indicated that future eligibility would be contingent on the employee meeting the company's professional standards.
The complaint argues that revoking the benefit constitutes victimisation. In addition to requesting that the Labour Department facilitate dialogue between both parties, the filing seeks reinstatement of the staff guest pass and payment of $750 in costs.
The industrial relations consultant has expressed hope that the Labour Department can bring the matter to a resolution without the need for Industrial Court proceedings.
