Baha Mar is still lobbying the government to allow its furloughed employees who are receiving ex gratia payments to also receive the $100 weekly unemployment assistance provided through the National Insurance Board (NIB).
Baha Mar President Graeme Davis said in a letter to staff last week that although the company’s efforts have been fruitless so far, it will continue to negotiate with the government.
Baha Mar reopened on December 17 for the first time since closing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing back approximately 1,800 of its 6,000 employees.
Davis said Baha Mar will continue to support those employees who have not yet returned to the property for at least another month.
“For those individuals who are not called back in our first phase, we understand that this kind of uncertainty is extremely difficult to live with. To that end, we are providing up to a further 30 days at 30 percent of base compensation as an ex gratia payment. Furthermore, we will continue to pay insurance premiums necessary to maintain health insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage,” he said in the staff letter.
“We are still in discussions with the government to try to add their financial assistance benefit on top of the ex gratia payment. Unfortunately, we have not been successful, to date. However, we are not giving up our effort to lobby on your behalf. As we get closer to the end of January, we will revert to you with further updates on extending benefits further.”
Last month, some Baha Mar employees finally received government unemployment benefits after going since September without any payments.
The Ministry of Finance stated that the holdup was related to the eligibility of some staff to receive payments.
Davis told employees in a letter last month that the government’s position was that persons who work part-time or who receive ex gratia or other payments from the resort, would only receive the difference between the ex gratia payment and $100. Any person who receives more than $100 in ex gratia or other payments from an employer, would not be eligible to receive any government assistance.
Despite these challenges, Davis said he remains hopeful about the future of the resort.
“Baha Mar recognizes and greatly appreciates the courage you’ve exhibited over these last months. We care deeply for each and every one of you and all that you do to make Baha Mar the most spectacular destination in The Bahamas,” he said.
“This has been one of the most difficult eras we have faced as professionals in the hospitality industry, yet our confidence in what we do, who we are and the future of this incredible property is stronger than ever.”
The post Baha Mar to continue lobbying govt for jobless plus ex gratia payments appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/baha-mar-to-continue-lobbying-govt-for-jobless-plus-ex-gratia-payments/
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