Nearly 60% of hotels in the Balearic Islands have already begun measuring the workload of chambermaids.

PalmNearly 60% of the Balearic Islands' federated hotels have already prepared or are preparing their reports on measuring the workload of chambermaids, a requirement included in the hospitality industry agreement signed by employers and unions. However, hoteliers caution that it is not yet possible to draw "a comprehensive conclusion." This was discussed at the hospitality industry technical meeting held this Thursday at the Ministry of Labor, Public Service, and Social Dialogue, chaired by Minister Catalina Cabrer, and attended by representatives from unions and the hotel employers' association. Cabrer emphasized that the level of compliance is "positive" and demonstrates a "fairly high" commitment from all parties involved.

In Mallorca, the executive vice president of the Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM), María José Aguiló, specified that 490 hotels (57 percent) already have their corresponding workload study, but stressed that "there is no data sharing between establishments." According to Aguiló, "the aim of this work is not to establish a fixed ratio for each category; it is a study carried out taking into account the characteristics of each establishment, not only the infrastructure and service, but also the characteristics of the staff, such as age and experience." Along the same lines, she added that "the result obtained is applicable to that specific establishment. Therefore, general conclusions cannot be drawn. The work is done establishment by establishment, taking into account staff and infrastructure. It is not monitored company by company; there may be establishments with lower workloads than those that have been affected. It is essential to ensure the health of the workers."

The councilor explained that they have analyzed the situation of hotels that have not yet completed the required study, especially some family-run businesses and small establishments, and emphasized that the goal is to have reports for all of them. She also reiterated that the installation of adjustable beds in hotels to facilitate the work of chambermaids is a requirement under the Tourism Law and that Ibassal is working to guarantee workplace safety.

UGT views this positively

On behalf of the UGT union, the general secretary of the Federation of Services, Mobility, and Consumption, José García Relucio, praised the work done as "positive" and pointed out that it is still necessary to reduce the working hours of this group because "they remain excessive." According to García, the goal is for the workers "to be able to retire when appropriate and not due to permanent disability." He also indicated that he would like this workload measure to be extended to vacation rental workers. "In this sector, there is no data whatsoever," he stated. Another point García emphasized is the need to address how unforeseen staff absences affect the workload of the rest of the workforce. He stressed that when an employee is temporarily incapacitated, their work is distributed among the remaining staff, and this "worries" them because "it doesn't appear in the final reports." Therefore, she announced that they will meet with the FEHM (Madrid Hotel Federation) to cross-reference data and determine how many waitresses will need to take sick leave during the season.

Reduced working hours

Cabrer addressed the decision by the MarSenses Hotels & Homes chain to reduce the working hours of chambermaids over 58 years old to 32 hours per week without affecting their salaries. He expressed his respect for the measure and reiterated that each company must adopt the most appropriate solutions after reaching a union agreement. Aguiló, for his part, indicated that this initiative "cannot be extended" to all companies in the sector because "the circumstances are not the same" and each company knows its own capabilities and needs and how to address them. UGT recalled that the reduction of the workweek to 35 hours was already included in its demands for the hospitality industry collective agreement, but that this measure could not be implemented, and added that anything that involves reducing workers' hours is "better."