 The
Valley Anguilla June 27, 2007:
For a second consecutive day over 200 hundred Asian workers congregated in the Valley on Wednesday
to protest their alleged poor working conditions on the
Viceroy project in West End Anguilla.
According to reports, it is believed
that four of the workers, assisted by a local attorney, are
currently in discussions with government officials to
resolve the labour unrest.
On Tuesday 26 June as many as 200 Asian workers,
adorned in uniforms bearing the name, "Carillion"
descended on Anguilla's
capital in an unprecedented move
to peacefully protest and register complaints with the
Labour Department.
The startling claims made publicly,
included:
- Extreme working hours - Workers alleged
being required to work as many as 11 hours per day
without any days off
- Confinement to the working premises
and as many as 22 persons in a trailer.
- Poor nutrition
- Abusive language
- Low wages - workers alleged
they were promised $US
600-800 per month with lodging and
meals but were receiving as little as $US 180 per
month with poor nutrition.
- Lack of adequate medical care
Viceroy is a luxury resort being built by Kor Hotel
Group, the Los Angeles-based luxury hotel operator, as a
part of Anguilla's booming tourism construction industry.
According to promotional material:
"Viceroy Anguilla will provide a uniquely luxurious
island residence opportunity in a setting as remarkable
for uncompromising style as it is for its incomparable
leisure. Select from chic resort residences, oceanfront
townhomes or spacious, private villas. Elegant,
inviting, exceptional: each option promises signature
Viceroy style, conveniences designed for the luxury
lifestyle, and of course, astonishing views of some of
the most coveted beaches on earth."
According to a statement made at the O.E.C.S
heads of government meeting in January 2007, Anguilla is
expected to import as many as 2000 overseas workers over the
next 2 years. |
