Hotel housekeepers create a clean, safe, and welcoming environments for guests worldwide. however, their working conditions do not always reflect the importance of their role, as they often face low wages, long hours, and exposure to physically demanding tasks without adequate support or recognition.
As we celebrate Global Week of Action for Hotel Housekeepers on 9-15 December 2024, EFFAT and the IUF are spotlighting the urgent need to address the challenges faced by these workers:
Ensuring Equal Treatment in Subcontracting through an EU binding initiative
In response to labour shortages, many hotels are increasingly relying on subcontracting and outsourcing to fill housekeeping roles. While this approach may address staffing needs, it often comes at a significant cost to workers. Outsourced housekeepers frequently face lower wages, heavier workloads, limited benefits, and restricted access to training and career development. This practice also leaves workers more vulnerable to exploitation.
To combat this growing issue, EFFAT has called for an EU Directive that ensures fair working conditions across subcontracting chains and regulate the role of labour intermediaries increasing also the frequency of inspections. Such legislation would help protect hotel housekeepers from discrimination and unequal treatment, promoting equity and transparency in the industry.
Improving Pay and Working Conditions Through Collective Bargaining
Attractive salaries and fair working conditions are crucial to addressing labour shortages in the hospitality sector. In this context, HOTREC and EFFAT signed a joint declaration on March 19, 2024, underscoring the importance of collective bargaining and social dialogue. Negotiated agreements between trade unions and employers at the sectoral level can pave the way for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions.
One pressing issue that must be addressed is the growing use of performance-based remuneration models, where housekeepers are paid based on the number of rooms cleaned. While digital tools have facilitated this system, it often leads to excessive workloads, dissatisfaction, and increased risks of workplace accidents. Reforming these practices is essential for creating sustainable, healthy work environments.
Ensuring Safe Workplaces Free from Violence and Harassment
Hotel housekeepers often perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy loads and repetitive movements, which put their health and safety at risk. Moreover, most housekeepers—who are women—are disproportionately affected by sexual harassment by clients in the workplace.
EFFAT praises the hospitality sector’s adoption of multisectoral guidelines to address third-party violence and harassment (TPVH). These guidelines encourage employers to implement workplace policies that are collaboratively developed by employers, workers, and trade unions.
Fighting Forward
Improving the lives of hotel housekeepers is essential to contribute to a sustainable and equitable hospitality industry. By addressing subcontracting practices, promoting collective bargaining, and ensuring safe, respectful workplaces, we can ensure lasting change for hospitality workers. This week of action serves as a timely reminder that housekeepers deserve the same dignity, respect, and fairness that their hard work brings to the guest experience.
#makemyworkplacesafe
