top of page
Search
philippchmel

Hospitality Workers Stand Up to Sexual Harassment at Work

ROSA Socialist Feminist Movement in Northern Ireland launches joint charter with Unite the Union Hospitality Branch

In Northern Ireland ROSA together with Unite Hospitality in May 2023 launched a joint charter against sexual harassment in hospitality.


Standing in front of statues of the women workers in Belfast city centre, activists highlighted why this initiative was important: 9 in 10 hospitality workers have experienced harassment and abuse at work.


Precarious contracts, low pay and a reliance on tips makes it even more difficult to challenge abuse from bosses and customers. For women and queer people being harassed on on a night out is a regular occurrence. Please have a read of our charter:


Sexual harassment is a rampant problem in our society today also beyond the hospitality industry. Trade unions have a crucial role to play in taking up these issues within the work place - and this charter is a prime example of rank and file members of trade unions and workers taking the initiative and getting organised in fighting back against one of the biggest issues within the sector. ROSA and Unite Hospitality will be campaigning with this charter over the summer.


Make hospitality safe for staff and customers


From employers we demand:


1) Sexism in the workplace must be challenged!


Hospitality venues should have a zero tolerance approach towards any form of sexual harassment or abuse. Gender norms are embedded in our society and dictate how we are supposed to live our lives including what clothes we wear. Scrap sexist dress codes for customers and staff. This is a concrete measure that will help counteract harmful gender norms which are part of the foundation for sexism, harassment and gender violence.


2) Venues must have clear reporting procedures in place so complaints can be raised easily by staff and customers.


There must be clear pathways for complaints and investigations of incidents from “casual misogyny” to spiking, harassment and assault. Posters to advertise these complaints procedures should be clearly displayed in venues on all main doors, windows, at bars/counters and prominently on venues

websites and social media platforms. Venues requiring e-tickets should circulate copies of these procedures along with confirmation emails and highlight that all customers are expected to treat staff and customers respectfully at all times. Schemes like the “ask for Angela” should be rolled out widely for customers and staff. Customers, staff and management in venues of all sizes should be clear on

reporting procedures and steps to take to ensure immediate safety when required.


3) Don’t leave staff or customers alone and vulnerable


Ensured safe transport home for your staff! No one should feel forced to walk home at night because of the cost or inaccessibility of taxis. For many hospitality workers getting a taxi home would mean losing an hours wage or more - this is therefore not an option for many workers. Especially as the cost of living is soaring, hospitality workers are faced with the unacceptable choice between paying for food, rent, heating or getting home safely! Similarly, venues have a duty to ensure anyone asked

to leave their premises is safe - not left alone with no way home or to contact others. Venues should instead provide spaces for people to access staff help if they are concerned that they have been spiked.


4) Provide free, easily accessed and discrete spiking test kits


These should be easily available throughout venues to ensure customers and staff can access them as required.


5) Implement fair employment contracts now!


Women are more likely to be employed in shift work; low paying and precarious contracts. This makes challenging toxic work environments even more difficult. Casual workers should be placed on permanent contracts with guaranteed weekly hours. Too often workers on precarious contracts are forced to rely on bosses for hours and wages.


6) Real living wages for all hospitality workers


No one should have to endure creepy customers for tips to subsidise meager wages. Increase the minimum wage for workers of all ages to £15/hour!


7) Ensure fair rotas!


Give workers at least 2 weeks notice of their rotas and ensure rotas are drawn up with the input and oversight of workers. Workers should not have to rely on bosses allocating hours or more suitable shifts as this constitutes additional barriers to challenging sexist bosses! Fair rotas and advance notice is particularly important for workers with child care responsibilities.


8) Union led health and safety training to deal with sexual harassment


Roll out training to equip workers with knowledge of how to address sexual harassment in the workplace. Robust anti-sexual harassment training should be provided by the Union - not profit driven bosses willing to bypass procedures and silence whistle-blowing and organising around the issue. Help Unite Hospitality & ROSA fight for the implementation of this charter! Get in touch with us today.

Get organised!


121 views10 comments

Recent Posts

See All

10 comentários


The Laser
The Laser
08 de out.

Sports betting is one of the key attractions on Laser247. The platform provides extensive coverage of both international and local sporting events, giving users the chance to bet on major tournaments and matches. Whether it’s the Premier League, the NBA, the IPL, or even less widely followed leagues, Laser247 offers competitive odds and a wide variety of markets for each event. This diversity allows players to not only bet on the outcome of the game but also dive into more specific betting markets, such as individual player performances, the number of goals or points, or even the timing of key events like the first goal.


Curtir

emb patches
emb patches
01 de out.

Personalized items can serve as memorable keepsakes for attendees, further solidifying the event's significance. The process of creating custom embroidery begins with design selection. Many online platforms and local embroidery shops offer extensive design libraries, allowing customers to browse and choose from various graphics, fonts, EMB PATCH and styles.

Editado
Curtir

marugujarat
marugujarat
22 de jul.

In addition to news, marugujarat places a strong emphasis on community engagement. The platform features sections dedicated to local stories and human interest pieces that highlight the achievements and challenges of individuals and communities across Gujarat. By showcasing these narratives, MaruGujarat fosters a sense of connection and pride among its readers, celebrating the diverse and dynamic nature of Gujarat’s society.

Curtir

marugujarat
marugujarat
22 de jul.

"Maru Gujarat" is a term that refers to the cultural, historical, and geographical essence of the Indian state of Gujarat. Gujarat, located on the western coast of India, is renowned for its rich heritage, vibrant culture, marugujarat and historical significance. The phrase "Maru Gujarat" translates to "My Gujarat" and evokes a deep sense of pride and connection among Gujaratis.

Curtir

Marugujarat
Marugujarat
01 de jul.

Gujarat is a state in the western part of India, famous for its unique culture and historical heritage. The state's ancient temples, grand palaces, and fascinating forts reflect its historical significance. The people of this state are known for their great customs, Maru gujarat  colorful festivals, and delicious food and drinks.Festivals like Dandiya, Garba and Navratri are celebrated with great fanfare in Gujarat. Among the tourist spots in this state are the Jin temples, Saputara hill station and the desert of Kutch, whose beautiful beauty resides in the hearts of people.


Curtir
bottom of page