ST JAMES, Jamaica – Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism and Linkages, Senator Janice Allen has expressed deep concern over Tuesday’s strike by workers at Breathless and Secrets resorts, and is now calling for “immediate and meaningful action” to address issues facing the hotel sector’s workforce.

“I am deeply troubled by the consistent stories I heard from workers. These individuals are the backbone of our tourism industry, yet they feel overworked, underappreciated, and unheard. We must do better for them and on their behalf,” Allen said, stressing that the country’s tourism success could not come at the expense of its workers.

“Our people should also feel those profits. It is unacceptable for workers to endure double shifts without fair compensation or for their voices to go unheard even when management acknowledges their concerns. This cannot continue,” she said.

Allen slammed what she described as the government’s focus on rapid hotel development without addressing the working conditions of employees. She reaffirmed the need for a balanced approach to tourism development, one that prioritises the welfare of workers while maintaining the sector’s profitability and sustainability. She called for the Ministry of Tourism to urgently engage with workers, unions, and hotel management to resolve what she called an immediate crisis and establish mechanisms to prevent future occurrences.

Alleged poor wages and work conditions prompted the strike which took place in Freeport on Tuesday. Workers promised that protest action would continue if their requests were not met.

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The strike came weeks after similar action by workers at Royalton Negril, which led to the suspension of the general manager.