When the housekeepers at the three Hyatt hotels in the Boston area were asked to train some new workers, they said they were told the trainees would be filling in during vacations.
On Aug. 31, staffers learned the full story: None of them would be making the beds and cleaning the showers any longer. All of them were losing their jobs. The trainees, it turns out, were employees of a Georgia company, Hospitality Staffing Solutions, who were replacing them that day.
The move to outsource the jobs of about 100 housekeeping employees at the Hyatt Regency Boston, Hyatt Regency Cambridge, and Hyatt Harborside at Logan International Airport is unusual in the hospitality industry, which counts on the housekeeping staff to help make sure hotel guests are comfortable.
“It’s unbelievable,’’ said Lucine Williams, 41, who has worked at the Hyatt Regency Boston for nearly 22 years and was making $15.32 an hour plus health, dental, and 401(k) benefits when she lost her job. “I don’t know how they can treat people like that.’’
Not only did the Hyatt betray the trust and loyalty of its former employees, but it ostensibly supports a company that underpays and provides no benefits to its workforce. Particularly in these economic times, this sort of business decision does far more harm than good to the local economy and to the people who have given so much of themselves to the company for so long. The Hyatt website includes a section dedicated to its commitment to social responsibility, and this quote: “At Hyatt, we’re committed to making a positive and lasting impact in every community in which we operate.’’ A lasting impact they may make, but how driving a workforce into unemployment is positive is beyond me.
After hearing the news at meetings last month, employees cried and screamed, said Drupattie Jungra, 55, who had worked at the Cambridge Hyatt for more than 21 years and made $15.69 an hour, plus benefits.
Until Hyatt reverses this action we should all boycott Hyatt hotels.
Tell Hyatt what you think:
Jilean Chandler, Hyatt Hotel Consumer Affairs
Ph: (800) 323-7249, Ext: 3445
Hyatt Regency Boston
Amy Grasso, Marketing Coordinator
One Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
Tel: 617-422-5542
amy.grasso@hyatt.com