As the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island goes through one of the largest redundancy exercises in its history, all areas across the world-famous destination will be impacted, according to an Atlantis spokesperson who yesterday responded to questions about the exercise posed by The Nassau Guardian.
Early yesterday morning, Atlantis President and Managing Director Audrey Oswell announced the resort’s plan to make 700 of the resort’s 7,300 employees redundant through a letter to employees.
While no specifics were given, the spokesperson, who gave responses yesterday evening, said many teams across the resort will be “reduced in size” and staff reductions will impact employees at every stage of their careers.
How much the exercise is expected to cost the company also remains unclear.
“Right now, we are focused on team members who are impacted and doing everything we can to support them during this difficult period,” Atlantis said.
“We put considerable time and effort into ensuring a smooth transition for parting colleagues and honoring them for their many contributions to Atlantis.”
As for how long the redundancy exercise is expected to take, The Guardian was told, “Over the course of today, senior department leaders and human resources contacted every team member in a 1:1 phone conversation in addition to following up with an email to advise them of this news, their redundancy payment, and, if eligible,
continued health care benefits.”
Asked if the resort foresees further redundancies, Atlantis said, “We continue to remain focused on keeping as many team members with Atlantis as possible.”
After closing its doors for most of last year, Atlantis began a phased reopening in December, slowly bringing laid-off employees back to work.
More than 3,000 employees returned to work during that reopening, still leaving thousands furloughed.
Oswell said business volumes continue to increase, noting that Atlantis, which is the largest private employer in The Bahamas, is expected to recover fully.
However, she said, “The significant changes we will undergo are not temporary or short-lived”.
Closure for some
Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union President Darrin Woods said yesterday that the redundancies will bring closure for employees who have been laid off since the start of the pandemic early last year.
“The period of uncertainty for this group of persons has now come to an end,” he said.
“They know what the future holds for them. As it relates to whether or not there will be any more redundancies, only time will tell.”
Over the last several months, dozens of Atlantis employees have demonstrated on New Providence, demanding that the resort make them redundant.
As a result, according to Woods, the union will ask Atlantis to offer severance packages to the individuals who are willing to leave.
He said the union hopes Atlantis does not take a dragnet approach where the employees who want to leave are asked to stay and the employees who want to stay are asked to leave.
Although the unemployment rate is still estimated at around 20 percent, Director of Labour John Pinder yesterday said Atlantis’ redundancy exercise “is not a blow to the labor force”.
“Again, if persons receive large amounts of cash as a payout for their time being employed by the employer, that doesn’t make them unemployed,” he said.
“They had lots of time to sit down and consider what small business they can get into to invest so they don’t end up on the unemployment line. So, I don’t think that it’s a blow to the unemployment numbers.
“I think what it does is it may provide employment for younger persons who are entering the job market. Again, it is important that those persons are receiving their redundant packages to put that money to good use.”
Pinder advised the individuals who were made redundant to pool their resources “as best as they can”.
“They should try and ensure that they are able to sustain themselves with low-risk investments,” he said.
Oswell’s letter
The president of Atlantis yesterday explained to employees that the “sad news” is “incredibly difficult” for the company to confront.
“I promised from the beginning of this global pandemic that I would be transparent and forthcoming in sharing information with all of you,” Oswell said in her letter to staff.
“Each time we talked, I shared the good news and bad news, but today I must share some sad news. When previously asked about redundancies, I have said that it was too soon to make that decision. Today, I must confirm that we are reducing the size of our Atlantis workforce.
“For Atlantis, whose sole purpose is centered around people serving people, this is incredibly difficult to confront. I will share how we arrived at this decision and what we will do for those impacted. Let me start with how we arrived at this decision.
“We are collectively living through the worst pandemic of our lifetime, and as it began to unfold, global travel came to a standstill. Our business suffered significant losses, and in response, we drastically cut costs that touched nearly every corner of Atlantis.”
While these actions were necessary, according to Oswell, it became clear that the resort had to “go further” due to the uncertainty regarding when travel will return to normal business levels and the expectation that when travel does return, it will be “very different for everyone”.
She continued: “Because of this, we need to make fundamental shifts by reducing the size of our workforce around a more focused business strategy.
“Unfortunately, we have to part ways with team members that we respect and value. Out of 7,300 Atlantis team members, 700 of our colleagues will be not be returning. This decision is not a reflection of the work and efforts of these individuals. Many teams across the organization will be reduced in size.”
Oswell said it is important that the resort inform employees “in a personal” manner.
“Every detail to help provide a smooth transition for parting colleagues has been thoughtfully planned and considered”,” Oswell said.
“What I have learned this past year is that a crisis brings clarity about what is truly important. Though we have been through a whirlwind, some things are more apparent to me than ever before. I am thankful for everyone at Atlantis and have a deep respect for all of you.
“Throughout this unprecedented experience, I have been inspired by all of you. Even in the worst of circumstances, I have seen the very best of us. The world needs human connection now more than ever. I know that Atlantis will rise to the occasion. I believe this because I believe in you.”
She said Atlantis will “never stop seeking the qualities and talents” that those leaving brought to the resort.
“I want to thank you for sharing them with us, for caring, and for contributing to the success of Atlantis,” Oswell said.
The post Atlantis makes 700 redundant appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/atlantis-makes-700-redundant/
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