SPECIAL REPORT |
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The Edinburgh Grand is part of Marriott’ s Luxury Collection and managed by RBH Hospitality Management. |
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THE INTRODUCTION OF UNIONIZED LABOR IS A BIG THREAT
– DAVID HART, CEO, RBH
HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
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challenge across all markets is the availability of qualified labor,” he said.“ This is a persistent issue globally.”
Some of the ways UHM deals with cost challenge include clustering and complexing certain functions across properties, centralizing selected services, developing strategic purchasing partnerships and strengthening planning and controls at both the corporate and property levels. These are some of the options available to contain costs, but it is not about cutting costs at any cost, Leal explained.“ Every efficiency initiative must be aligned with the guest service promise and the expectations of the guest.
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You can’ t improve profitability by compromising the experience you are there to deliver.”
One large distinction between U. K. and U. S. hotels is the use of unionized labor, which is more common in the latter. Union hotels usually have higher payroll costs and more complex operational management. And while union recognition in U. K. hotels is relatively uncommon, it could be changing. In July, housekeepers outsourced to WGC Ltd at Radisson Blu Canary Wharf and Radisson Blu Euston Square, and all members of the United Voices of the World( UVW) union, secured statutory trade
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union recognition.“ This is a historic victory for hospitality workers across the U. K.,” said UVW General Secretary Nelly Ospino.“ Trade union recognition in hotels remains far too rare because employers have long relied on outsourcing, high staff turnover and insecure work to keep workers divided.”
The outcome isn’ t lost on Hart and accompanies imminent changes to the U. K.’ s Employment Rights Act 2025, which will have a significant impact on the hospitality sector’ s cost basis, including changes to zero-hours contracts.“ The introduction of unionized labor is a big threat,” said Hart.
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14 hotelsmag. com Oct / Nov 2026 |