A demonstration organised by the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) in Benidorm (Alicante) denounced the “work overload” of hotel maids, who face “unbearable working conditions” due to “abusive work schedules, reduced hours, and conditions that increase the risk” to their physical and mental health.
“Housekeepers guarantee the quality of hotel service, perform a structural and basic role in the hotel, and yet are treated in an undignified manner, condemning them to the most complete precarious situation,” the union wrote in a statement, referring to a specific case at a hotel in the city.
In addition, she said: “A few days before Decent Work Day, we must continue to denounce jobs where people, especially women, are treated unfairly, turning work into a threat to health and dignity.”
The CCOO (Working Council of Workers) praised the “positive reception” of this “necessary mobilisation that highlights the difficult working conditions of housekeepers, who are subjected to unmanageable work demands.”
According to them, “the workload of cleaning staff has reached an unacceptable level,” particularly “following a summer in which records for overnight stays and room occupancy in the hospitality industry were broken, with numerous staff absences that have not been filled.”
They further stated that some of these workers are required to complete up to 30 rooms in eight hours, increasing their exposure to workplace dangers and mental and physical stress.
“In addition to this backlog of work, we must also address areas such as hallways and lifts, and when necessary, they must take on other tasks such as bringing up bed linens when dedicated staff are not available,” he stated. He continued to emphasise that “the quality of service demands that staff not be overburdened during peak times.”
Author: Derek Appleton
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