The Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union and Jolly Beach Corporation are once again before the High Court tomorrow. The Union is seeking the Courts permission to sell Lands belonging to the Corporation to satisfy outstanding debts owed to former employees.
A Consent Order was entered into the records of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, in the High Court of Justice on 3rd December 2020, paving the way for the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union to further their claim against Jolly Beach Cooperation for over 2million dollars in outstanding wage increase adjustments, Thrift Fund owed to Employees and outstanding Dues owed to the Union which were deducted from the employee’s wages.
The Jolly Beach Hotel has been closed since March 2020 due to the covid -19 Pandemic and the employees have since been home.
There have been several rumours of potential buyers by Government sources but to date, no one has come forward with the cash.
The Consent Order also allowed for the Workers to receive interest at the rate of 2.5% per annum from the date of filing and 5%per annum payable on the reducing balance from the date of the Consent Order.
The hotel owes the Government and many of its statutory bodies more than EC$80,000,000 in debt.
If the Union get its way in the Courts tomorrow this could be a precedent-setting case which could have serious implication on the Industrial Relations landscape in Antigua and Barbuda.
The hearing is expected to be done virtually at 9am. Last week the Union met with employees to inform them of this latest development. Trumpet news will continue to follow this developing story.
