IHRA assisted in a meeting of proposals by the Advisory Bodies on the sectoral activities program of work 2014-15. IHRA represented the Employers for the Hotels, Catering and Tourism sector. The Employers represented were from IOE, CIETT and IHRA. Unions representing the Workers included the Nation Union of Teachers, IAEA, IUF, ITUC. For the Hotels, Catering and Tourism sector, 2 proposals were presented:

IOE/ILO Proposals: 16. A draft tool on decent work and socially responsible tourism is prepared which could inform a meeting in a future biennium, in close cooperation with other ILO units and IHRA, IUF, UNWTO and OECD. The preparation includes research and assessment based on working papers and studies available by the end of 2013 on migrant workers, gender, youth and SMEs in the HCT.

Workers Proposals: 17. A draft tool on decent work and socially responsible tourism which draws closely on and encourages the ratification of C172 (Working Conditions Hotels and Restaurant Convention, 1991) is prepared which could inform a possible future meeting, in close cooperation with other ILO units and IHRA, IUF, UNWTO and OECD. The preparation includes research and assessment based on working papers and studies available by end of 2013 on migrant workers, gender, youth and TNCs in the HCT.

Discussion and negotiation of Proposals

IHRA agreed with the Office proposal. This was due to the fact that the workers proposal stated the encouragement of the ratification of C172 (Working Conditions, Hotels and Restaurant Convention, 1991), which 21 years ago was refused by everyone. Therefore why should it be accepted now?

The worker union agreed with the office proposal however they did not approve the last sentence, which mentions Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs). They believe that they should focus on a wider sector such as Trans National Corporations (TNCs).

The employers offered to modify the sentence from"The preparation includes research and assessment based on working papers and studies available by the end of 2013 on migrant workers, gender, youth and SMEs in the HCT" to "The preparation includes existing research and assessment based on working papers and studies available by the end of 2013 on migrant workers, gender, youth and SMEs in the HCT."

The Workers stated that if there is a full stop after 2013 [therefore not including migrant workers, gender, youth and SMEs in the HCT] they will agree on the proposal.

Conclusion

In conclusion the final proposal is as followed: A draft tool on decent work and socially responsible tourism is prepared which could inform a meeting in a future biennium, in close cooperation with other ILO units and IHRA, IUF, UNWTO and OECD. The preparation includes existing research and assessment based on working papers and studies available by the end of 2013.

International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA)

Founded in 1859 in Koblenz (Germany), the IH&RA is the only business organisation representing the hospitality industry worldwide. Its members are national hotel and restaurant associations throughout the world, and international and national hotel and restaurant chains representing some 50 brands. Officially recognised by the United Nations, IH&RA monitors and lobbies all international agencies on behalf of this industry, estimated to comprise 300,000 hotels and 8 million restaurants, employ 60 million people and contribute 950 billion USD annually to the global economy.

Ghassan AIDI
President
IH&RA