Marriott Hotels & Resorts logo. (PRNewsFoto/Marriott Hotels & Resorts)
MyFM has learned the Marriott International St. Thomas call centre will be closing mid-September. The COVID-19 pandemic and expiration of the lease at their Talbot Street location are being cited as reasons for closure.
Employees were notified by video conference this morning. It is believed approximately 400 employees are impacted.
When reached for comment, a spokesperson advised, “We will be able to shift some associates to a remote capacity, but we will unfortunately have some job eliminations.”
St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston said the news is disappointing, especially coming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preston added he had no advance warning of the announcement. He noted the city has a trained workforce of call centre employees whose skills should be transferable.
The Marriott spokesperson added, “Associates whose jobs will be eliminated will receive severance, continued benefits, and other forms of assistance to aid in their career transition.”
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek advised, “I have spoken with the Ministers of Labour and Heritage, Tourism, Culture and Sport Industries requesting that all possible supports be made available to those facing job losses. I will continue to work with Mayor Preston and local economic development stakeholders to promote our region’s many advantages.”
