In order to bring back and revive the IUF Global Housekeeping Campaign initiative in Indonesia, the Federation of Hotel, Restaurant, Plaza, Apartment, Catering and Tourism Workers’ Independent Union (FSPM) organized series of event in Yogyakarta and Labuan Bajo, to raise awareness of the valuable work carried out by room attendants.
On November 21-22, the FSPM introduce its first campaign in Yogyakarta. They coordinated a joint exhibition at a university to educate general public about the hard and skilled work performed by room attendants every day. While sharing information on the health risks faced by room attendants, people who passed FSPM booth were invited to make a bed themselves, and the time they took to complete the task was recorded. Students and passerby gave testimonials, acknowledging that the work of room attendant is not easy, especially when they are rushed to meet room quota expectation.
Awareness raising with passerby
In Labuan Bajo, one of Indonesia’s main tourism destinations, FSPM launched a campaign initiative on November 22 by organizing a competition for hotel workers and tourism students, as the future workforce of hospitality industry. FSPM conveyed a message that room quota targets put the health and safety of room attendants at risk. Drawing in experiences from previous initiatives carried out by IUF affiliates worldwide, experienced room attendant who participated in the competition, as well as school teachers, affirmed that more respect and dignity toward housekeepers should be shown to appreciate their work. It was emphasized that Labuan Bajo, as super-premium tourist destination, should also provide super-premium working condition for its workers.
Organizing hotel workers in key tourist destination is crucial to ensure that tourism development benefits not only visitors, but also local communities and its workers. Clean, comfortable rooms are at the heart of hospitality business, in which room attendants are playing a vital role in providing excellent experience for guests.
FSPM calls for improved working conditions, including fair employment contracts, end of wage theft and elimination or reduction of room quotas. By recognizing the valuable work of room attendants, the hospitality industry can promote a safer and just tourism for all.
