Ground-breaking maternity leave plan

Date: 08 May 2003

A ground-breaking provision for six weeks paid maternity leave for hotel workers is contained in an enterprise agreement now being debated by LHMU Hotel Union members employed by the multinational Starwood Hotel chain.

" If union members vote up the enterprise agreement then the proposed six weeks paid maternity leave will be a first for the hospitality industry, outside the Star City Casino," Tim Ferrari, LHMU Assistant National Secretary said.

Significant improvement on minimum wage decision

"The agreement - which effects 2000 hotel workers - is also significantly better than what the Industrial Relations Commission has just awarded other low-wage workers in the hospitality industry who are either not unionised, or have not achieved the collective power in the workplace to insist on an enterprise agreement .

" While the Minimum Wage decision handed down by the AIRC underlined the crisis of low pay in this country the Starwood Hotel agreement is a real demonstration that it is possible for unionised workers to challenge this crisis.

" Unionised workers can win if they act collectively and campaign and negotiate for an enterprise agreement," Tim Ferrari said.

Maternity win comes while Feds go back on promises

" This win by unionised workers comes at a time that the Federal Government has furiously backpedalled on earlier promises to provide in next week's Budget improved work-and-family standards, including extending maternity leave rights to ordinary working Australians.

" Our members believe this win shows what collective action can do at a time when the Howard Government is showing no interest in such a vital issue.

" Our members, in hotels in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, will now discuss the new enterprise agreements at workplace meetings being held over the next fortnight.

Proposed agreement after extensive talks

" The proposed agreement comes after extensive talks involving the LHMU Hotel Union negotiating team and Starwood Hotels which includes the Sheraton Hotels in Brisbane, Noosa and Melbourne; the Westin Hotels in Melbourne and Sydney; Four Points in Port Macquarie and Geelong and the "W" in Sydney.

" The LHMU membership meetings will be giving feedback to the negotiating team about the new three year agreements which include:

- A $62 a week increase in wages;

- Six weeks paid maternity leave;

- Reclassification of room attendants who check room standards for guests;

- An addition day of bereavement leave;

- New delegates rights to be involved in induction programs explaining the benefits of the agreement for new workers.

" This agreement has come together after regular negotiating meetings over four months between union delegates, union officials and management representatives."

Mr Ferrari said the actual voting process on the enterprise agreement proposals is likely to occur towards the end of the month.

The LHMU proudly represents around 130,000 hard working women and men throughout Australia

For further info: Tim Ferrari, LHMU Assistant National Secretary, 8204 7224 or 042 524 2727

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