PHILIPSBURG--Chaos is likely to erupt at Pelican this morning, as the company's 183 workers, who were given letters informing them that their services are no longer needed, plan to show up to work today.
The workers were given letters relieving them of their services, even though the government Labour Department has not made a pronouncement on the company's mass dismissal request filed recently.
Management took the workers' "punch-in cards" when they punched out at the end of the workday yesterday, Tuesday, and gave them letters informing them that the old company ? Pelican Resort Club, The Management Company NV ? would cease operations as of 7:00am today.
"We are calling for a national strike," a shop steward told The Daily Herald on behalf of her colleagues. "This is not for Pelican employees alone. We have to send a strong message to the government that was elected a few months ago. We have to send a message to the world. This is a struggle for all workers in St. Maarten. While we need investors, they can't take advantage of the workers. They can't trample on the workers. We will stand up for our rights."
Workers Institute for Organised Labour (WIFOL) President Theophilus Thompson had told this newspaper in the past that the union had been informed that the old company no longer had jurisdiction over Pelican since December 16, following the auction in which the resort was bought by its lender.
Workers said management's move to send them home would not budge them in their struggle to be recognised as permanent employees of the new company. They assured that they would be sticking together in their fight.
The letter given to workers on Tuesday was signed by Royal Resorts Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Corso, representing the old company "Pelican Resort Club, The Management Company."
Corso also had represented the new owners when he signed an agreement with Thompson close to midnight last week Wednesday. As Royal Resorts CEO he signed that agreement to hire 145 workers and dismiss 37. This agreement has not been ratified and is not valid. WIFOL's Secretary General has not co-signed the agreement, as is required before it can be valid.
In his letter to the workers yesterday, Corso said: "Ownership of the pledged assets of Pelican Resort Club will be transferred [on] January 26, 2011, to the company which, in the auction of December 16, 2010, received the right to purchase the resort.
"Due to the sale and transfer, Pelican Resort Club, The Management Company NV's business of operating the resort will cease at 7:00 hours on Wednesday [today], January 26, 2011."
Corso said workers had been briefed on January 4 and 18. "This letter serves as a final convocation that effective 7:00am on Wednesday ... Pelican Resort Club, The Management Company NV ceases to conduct further business of operating the resort."
Corso reminded the workers in his letter that permission had been sought at the Labour Department to terminate the working agreements of 182 employees. "You will soon be contacted regarding the payment of your salary to this date from Pelican Resort Club, The Management Company.
"You need to collect all personal property and leave the facilities. You will have no further access to the private property without invitation. In summary: effective January 26, Pelican Resort Club, The Management Company NV ceases to conduct further business of operating the resort for the Pelican Resort Club and Pelican Marina Residences."
Corso thanked the workers for their years of service and for the support they had provided the company and guests.
The shop steward who spoke to this newspaper said management's actions seemed to represent enslavement. "Slavery was abolished a long time ago. We need to shut down the island to let government know that we are serious."
This newspaper understands that in addition to the punch-in cards, management also took away the workers' keys to various offices.
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