KFC Nassau commits to full Christmas bonus for staff despite “major” revenue hit

KFC Nassau commits to full Christmas bonus for staff despite “major” revenue hit
A long line of customers wait in line at a KFC drive-thru in March 2020 shortly after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. (FILE PHOTO)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Restaurants Bahamas Limited, operators of KFC Nassau, said that despite its revenue taking a “major hit” due to the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, KFC Nassau staff and managers will receive their full Christmas bonus.

The company said in a statement that it saw no revenue in August, while noting that its affiliate Luciano’s did not survive. The company said it has asked the Bahamas Managerial Association (BHMA) and the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) that represent its managers and employees for understanding as they seek to split the bonus payment into two parts.

“Restaurants (Bahamas) Limited, operators of KFC Nassau, has committed to pay one week of the Christmas bonus on Wednesday, December 16, and has committed to pay the balance no later than the end of the first quarter of 2021. On the first payment date, managers and team members will also receive a $40 voucher for a ham or turkey,” the company said in a statement.

It added: “Throughout this challenging economic year, the company has regularly communicated the financial situation it faces to both unions. Managers, given their managerial position, have also had access to more detailed financial information for their restaurants and are therefore well-versed in the financial position of the company. Like many other restaurants located in New Providence, KFC Nassau’s revenue has taken a major hit due to the many COVID-19-related lockdowns, curfews, shutdowns and ongoing restrictions, which included closures that led to no revenue in August and reduced opening hours and days for much of the past nine months. Many companies, like KFC’s affiliated restaurant Luciano’s, did not survive.”

According to the company, splitting the bonus in two payments will help the company through these ongoing tough economic times and allow it to maintain full employment.

“While many companies in The Bahamas have been forced to lay-off and furlough employees, KFC Nassau has chosen to avoid layoffs despite the pandemic. KFC Nassau has reached an agreement to this end with the team members union (BHCAWU) and continues to negotiate in good faith with the BHMA in hopes that the matter can be resolved in time for the holidays,” the company said.