Spain: Unions fight to reinstate hotel housekeepers dismissed for demanding rights and recognition

Nine housekeepers at the Hotel Condestable Iranzo in Jaén (Andalusia) were dismissed in May while organizing a union and demanding the application of the collective agreement for the hospitality sector in the province. The CC.OO Services Federation is fighting for their reinstatement as unions challenge the massive growth of outsourcing which is impoverishing hotel staff.

The Hotel Condestable had outsourced cleaning services to 'services provider' CM Serviexter. When housekeepers began organizing for union representation and application of the hospitality sector agreement, the hotel rescinded the contract with CM Serviexter, which dismissed all housekeeping staff. The hotel then contracted the room cleaning to a new services company.

The union has challenged the dismissals as a violation of freedom of association at the labour inspectorate and in the courts and is organizing street actions and highlighting the discriminatory impact of outsourcing on women workers and the growth of precariousness and poverty.

You can support their struggle by signing the online petition initiated by the union here.