Hospitality unions plan day of action

Staff shortages and better wages will head the agenda of an international day of action organised by the International Union of Food Workers (IUF).

The annual event, to be held on 27 September in conjunction with the World Tourism Organisation, will see affiliated unions around the world stage events that push for improved conditions for hospitality workers.

IUF co-ordinator Patrick Moreynas, said: "The main aim is that employees in the industry should not be forgotten. We are particularly concerned with shortages in skilled workers, levels of wages, and the increasingly casual nature of many positions."

Moreynas says that around 200 of the IUF's affiliated hospitality unions in 80 countries were expected to take part.

Further key issues are training and development, rights for women workers balancing family and professional lives, and Union recognition in hotels and restaurants.

For the UK, the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G) is organising a meeting of London hotel workers on 27 September.

Dave Turnbull, T&G regional organiser, said: "We will be discussing trade union rights and new legislation relating to the right to union recognition and representation. The main aim will be to explain to people what their new rights are, and how they will work."