Dear Editor,
I congratulate the employees of the Maho Resort, with the favourable outcome of their court injunction against Maho resort and the Board of the WICSU/PSU.
After being informed by a group of employees on June 12, of the pressing situation they were confronted with by both their employer Maho Resort and WICSU/PSU, together with a labour professional, I met with the employees and informed them of their rights as workers and how they should proceed legally.
In addition, through the chairlady of parliament, I formally questioned Minister Emile Lee of VSA on the role of the Labour Department. As reported and confirmed by the management of Maho resorts, both the Labour Mediator, R. Boasman and WICSU/PSU president Solagnier vetted and approved this process of termination.
The decision of the courts in favour of the employees is a clear indication that they were not well represented by their union. The Pelican saga is still fresh on the minds of the people. As a consequence as legislators, employee representatives and Government, all stakeholders should ensure that the rights of the working men and women in this country are safeguarded.
I look forward to the outcome of the developments pertaining to those employees who have signed to terminate their employment with Resort of the World to commence with a new operating company, some of which indicated they did so under duress.
However, I do hope that the management of the Maho group together with the employees can reach to a favourable agreement that benefits all parties. This to ensure that St. Maarten can continue to provide a quality tourism experience for our visitors! As a member of parliament, I have been consistent and true when it came to the rights of the people, regardless to being in opposition or part of a coalition.
Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel
