Nepal’s Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has temporarily shut down all operations, including its casino, amid protests and service disruptions by disgruntled staff.
Taragaon Regency Hotels, which operates the expansive 5-star property, announced on Tuesday that the hotel and other services would be shut down indefinitely due to what it describes as “unnecessary disruptions” forced by the All Nepal Hotel, Casino and Restaurant Workers Union.
According to local media reports, a majority of the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu’s 400 workers are upset at recent cuts to various entitlements including a reduction in the annual increase of grade from 9% to 5%, dropping the number of reserved leave days from 90 to 78 and slashing of medical insurance levels. The alleged cuts were despite Taragaon booking a 14.3% increase in revenue and 29.5% increase in profit in the most recent fiscal quarter.
In a statement, Taragaon said, “Due to the protest, we are unable to provide necessary services to customers.
“The hotel is working with all parties involved to resolve the dispute at the earliest possible, but until then the hotel will temporarily cease operations and not accept any bookings.”
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu houses Casino Tara.