SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Beatriz Barrera, the Deputy for Equality at the Provincial Council, has raised concerns about the housekeeping subsector, noting that there are alarming indicators of excessive workload and absenteeism.
In a statement released after a meeting with Cehat and Ashotel President, Jorge Marichal, she emphasized the evident work overload in a sector where service must be “impeccable”, raising the question of who will take care of cleaning the bedrooms.
Barrera suggested the need to develop tools to measure productivity and assess occupational risk. She also mentioned ongoing efforts, including collaborating with the Ombudsman to propose early retirement as a solution, as it falls under state jurisdiction.
She highlighted the unresolved employment issues of housekeepers and appreciated the commitment from employers’ associations and the Tourism Department of the Canary Islands Government, which has commissioned a study on ergonomic and psychosocial conditions in the hotel sector, including visits to 228 hotels in the islands.
Barrera stressed the need to hold the tourism sector accountable for improving workers’ conditions, ensuring that “the weight of the law” is brought to bear on those failing to meet standards.
Emphasizing the need to address the root of the problem, she urged for action to prevent harm to workers, clients, and business owners.
Referring to a previous complaint in 2018, Barrera expressed hope for comprehensive solutions and the effective enforcement of regulations.
She also highlighted the predominantly female workforce in the sector and questioned the lack of male representation, stating that men are not restricted from working as waiters, unlike in housekeeping.
Marichal acknowledged the hotel owners’ intentions to find solutions, emphasizing the importance of the workforce’s well-being as an integral part of the company “family”.
MARICHAL: “WE ARE THE FIRST TO REPORT”
Marichal highlighted the importance of addressing social aspects in addition to sustainability, infrastructure, and technology. He mentioned previous collaborative efforts with the government and unions to study housekeeping conditions in 2015 as a step towards understanding concerns and needs within the tourism industry.
He emphasized the open dialogue with unions and the ongoing efforts to improve working conditions within the group, highlighting the commitment to report any unfair or illegal situations.
