Musicians’ union not singing labour shortage song

President of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians and Affiliates Union (JFMAU), Lowell Lawson, says there is no labour shortage within the entertainment industry.

Lawson was reacting to the recent sounds of labour shortage in the island and the mired-in-controversy need to import foreign skilled workers.

On October 7, Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that “there are calls in certain quarters in the private sector who say Jamaica may very well have to consider if its economic growth potential continues at this pace, that we may have to have a programme of controlled entry of workers from overseas to supplement our labour force”.

Lawson’s union, which describes itself as “a leading advocate for labour rights and workforce development in the entertainment sector of Jamaica” is voicing concern about the perceived shortage and how this thinking is hampering the progress of industries such as entertainment.

Lawson reiterated the long-running issue of professional entertainers being overlooked for jobs in the hospitality sector and emphasised that the assertions made about labour shortages in Jamaica “require a thorough examination and fact-checking”.

“While it is essential to address the evolving dynamics of Jamaica’s workforce, it is equally important to steer clear of sweeping generalisations that may result in unintended consequences. These consequences are being felt by practitioners in the hospitality sector entertainment where for 10 years they have been battling to secure jobs, which are being given to foreign workers,” Lawson told The Gleaner.

He said that the JFMAU is issuing a “cautionary message aiming to dispel misconceptions and promote an informed understanding of the current labour market conditions in the country”.

Quoting a Saturday November 11 editorial in The Gleaner which stated that “the clamour for imported labour is growing louder, with the productive sector now labelling the situation urgent,” Lawson noted that instead of calling for imported labourers, factors such as inefficient labour utilisation and the need for skill enhancement, should be first considered by those helming the productive sector.

“Addressing these aspects can significantly contribute to the optimal deployment of the existing workforce. Furthermore, we question the remuneration packages provided to Jamaican workers when compared to our imported counterparts. There is often much malignment in this regard,” the president said.

Having a mouthful to say, he continued, “It is also crucial to recognise that certain organisations and hoteliers have contributed to the alleged labour shortage by actively avoiding hiring professionals and undervaluing their worth. The prevalence of cheap labour and working without standard contracts and benefits has become the norm. In some instances, some major chain hotels on the island have resorted to employing inexperienced, unprofessional, and untrained personnel to perform main show stage acts, resulting in mediocrity at its finest. This not only damages the reputation of skilled professionals, but also undermines and erodes the standards set by the JFMAU.”

Lawson’s defence of workers in the sector is a continuation of the work carried out by late president, Karen Smith, who was consistent in her call for Jamaican entertainers, rather than foreigners, to be given jobs within the hospitality sector.

“For nearly 10 years, local dance groups, variety acts, singers, and bands have been shut out of employment, replaced by foreigners with work permits for large entertainment companies and Spanish hotels. Jamaican entertainers have been underemployed within the sector for far too long, making them even more vulnerable during this time of crisis,” Smith told The Gleaner in a 2020 interview.

“We will beseech the prime minister to intervene where entertainment work permit requests are made, and we will be appointing a watchdog committee to monitor these instances. The JFMAU is focused on ensuring a level playing field throughout the entertainment sector that maximises the available opportunities for its members and the industry,” Smith had promised.

Lawson, too, has approached the matter at a government level and has requested meetings with the ministers in charge of tourism and entertainment.

He explained that the JFMAU has a role to play by providing information about the skill-sets of its membership so that hoteliers, for example, can be aware of who is available to fill which positions.

“It is the law that as long as there are Jamaicans who can fill the available positions, then there is no way that a foreigner should be given a work permit to come into the island and do that same job. It is also important to remind the public that the Jamaican brand has been built upon the achievements of internationally renowned Jamaican entertainers, as well as the countless professionals across the island who have contributed to the success of hotel brands and put Jamaica on the global map. These same professionals often serve as visitors’ first encounter with Jamaican culture,” Lawson said.

He is hopeful that by rectifying most, if not all of these issues and guaranteeing fair treatment and compensation for professionals, “we can uphold the integrity of our industry and continue to showcase the vibrant Jamaican culture that has captivated the world”.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com