Finally, distribution of severance cheques to former Jolly Beach Resort employees will begin on December 15, Union confirms

Former Jolly Beach workers are to begin receiving their outstanding severance and gratuity payments from tomorrow, Thursday, December 15.

This was made possible after their bargaining agent, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), received the relevant funds from the company’s lawyer.

On Friday, December 2, the attorneys for Jolly Beach advised the Union that it had received the funds allocated for the payment of all former Jolly Beach Corporation workers from the law firm of Lake, Kentish & Bennett Inc.

The Union says that all former employees of Jolly Beach Corporation, which should be reopening its doors shortly, will be issued with cheques representing severance, vacation, thrift fund and back pay.

Reportedly the distribution of cheques will commence at 10 a.m. for workers in the Housekeeping Department, followed by the Kitchen Department and the Dining Room.

On Friday, December 16, workers from the Water Sports Department, security officers, Grounds and Maintenance Department, Front Office, Entertainment and all other departments will receive their cheques.

All former employees are being advised that they must present  valid government-issued identification, since the cheque will not be disbursed without it.

Additionally, those employees who are having someone collect on their behalf should have that person present a notarized letter with a valid ID (of the person collecting on their behalf) and a copy of the former worker’s identification.

The Union says it will be working over the two-day period to expedite the distribution process.

More than 500 former workers are collectively owed more than EC$7 million.  They were placed on the breadline in March 2020 when the resort ceased operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jolly Beach has since been leased to Elite Island Resorts, which is renovating up to 200 rooms in order to welcome back guests this month.