27 May 2010 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Fair Hotels campaign launched

The Fair Hotels campaign to support and promote quality jobs in the hotel industry was launched by SIPTU in Liberty Hall, Dublin on Tuesday. The campaign is based on the principle that hotels that treat staff fairly should be supported by consumers who care about workers’ rights. It introduces a new ethical choice for consumers via the website www.fairhotels.ie.
Already 45 hotels across Ireland in which workers have collective bargaining rights have signed up to the campaign which will encourage trade unions and their members to use fair hotels for family holidays and breaks, conferences and meetings.
The campaign will use the combined purchasing power of 850,000 workers in Ireland and 12 million workers overseas alongside the institutional purchasing power of 50 Irish trade unions and 32 non-government organisations (NGOs) to benefit hotel workers, fair hoteliers and ethical consumers.
Workers win better working conditions; fair hotels win a massive new and lucrative market and consumers win with ethical options at discounted prices.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions and international trade union confederations in 120 countries have endorsed the campaign. In addition, 32 Irish NGOs and civic organisations are supporting the Fair Hotels campaign.
Congress general secretary, David Begg, and Pater Gaynor, Executive Director of FairTrade Mark Ireland announced details of the Combined Purchasing Policy at the launch on Tuesday, which was attended by Sinn Féin  representatives.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland