HOTEL WORKER STAYS POSITIVE
Hotel worker shares her experience
EVERYTHING changed after March 21 when strict measures were put in place by Fiji over the coronavirus pandemic which crippled the country and sent thousands of workers home without jobs – others on reduced working hours and pay cuts.
Hideaway Resort front desk worker Ulamila Bila, 51, said the pandemic had a negative effect on many villages, colleagues and relatives who couldn’t cope with the pressure of being sent home. it.“But there was nothing workers could do about
“There were no tourists booking at resorts and the airport was shut down. I was so lucky that my husband kept working and I continue to remain hopeful that things would return to normal one day.
“We were told by the resort that we would be called back to work when everything was normal again.”
Ulamila said she started at the resort as a helping hand at Hideaway’s restaurant and after completing her studies at the then Nadroga Navosa High School she was promoted to work at the front desk.
Ulamila said it was a sad time for hotel workers across the country and she knew many of them, but what was more unbearable was a feeling of hopelessness affecting many of them.
“I met my husband in 1994 at one of the Nadroga’s rugby games in Sigatoka. We used to see each other during any Nadroga game before we started dating. We never looked back as we dedicated our lives to each other and the sacrificed we put together for our family.”
Ulamila says her husband has been a good helping companion and was always positive in helping her to achieve anything in life.
Now seven months later, Ulamila says most of her former colleagues are adjusting just enough to make ends meet.
She said a lot of hotel workers were selling food parcels and encouraged all travellers on the Queens highway to support roadside stalls, most of which were now operated by hotel workers.
“Others have gone into farming, fishing and some successfully managed to secure employment elsewhere.
“I know some that have turn to using their skills and talent to earn money. I am lucky my husband continued working, however, this pandemic has brought me to realise the precious little things we usual took for granted.
“I was the guest relations manager before I lost my job at the resort due to the COVID-19. My husband always reminded me this was not the end of the road for us. We should remain calm and be positive, and always rely on the Almighty God who is the provider and the source of all good things on earth.
“I too was hurt and disappointed when I was let go, but my husband kept reminding me with kind words. He says he’ll continue to be the source of strength for me and he’ll always be there for me especially during tough times.”
Ulamila says couples should support each other during these trying times because it helps mentally and physically. She says reassuring others that everything will be OK and offering help can change people’s mindsets to take on any difficulty situation.
I was the guest relations manager before I lost my job at the resort due to the COVID-19. My husband always reminded me this was not the end of the road for us. We should remain calm and be positive, and always rely on the Almighty God who is the provider and the source of all good things on earth. Ulamila Bila