Andaz hotel targeted by second Living Wage protest

Campaign group London Citizens is holding another protest against the Andaz hotel in London's Liverpool Street this morning after accusing the general manager of reneging on a promise to discuss its concerns over wages.

In July, London Citizens protested outside the five-star hotel demanding a London Living Wage (£7.45) for waiting staff, cleaners and valets, who currently earn the national minimum wage (£5.73).

At the time, Andaz general manager Arnaud de Saint-Exupery promised to meet campaign group leaders in September, but no meeting has been arranged.

This morning's protest will see campaigners attempting to block the reception at the Andaz in order to force him to meet them.

Marzena Cichon, hotel organiser at London Citzens, told Caterersearch: "We are going to make a queue and each of us is going to ask for a meeting with the general manager.

"We want to block the reception so that staff won't be able to deal with the guests. We want to cause some mayhem to make sure they will agree to meet us and discuss the issues connected with exploitation and low pay in the hotel."

Cichon said the Andaz has claimed it is not accountable to London Citizens and that the Living Wage is a matter for the British Hospitality Association.

"But we feel it is a matter of principle, as they gave us their word we could have a meeting," she added.

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By Daniel Thomas

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