IUF Document on “extraordinary events”

Recently the IUF has been involved in meetings with the ILO and WHO about the COVID-19 outbreak. We have also participated in a working group with UNWTO.

In these meetings we have been critical of the WHO and UNWTO for only referring in their communications and newsletters to the protection of the sector and tourists, without any mention or special measures for the many workers in the sector.

Hotel workers are exposed and at increased risk of contracting the virus. Workers will also face layoffs or severe loss of income and urgent measures are needed to avoid a social and economic catastrophe for these workers and their families.

We have called for an urgent meeting with WHO and UNWTO under the auspices of the ILO.

We have drafted the IUF demands for the Hotel sector on governments and employers, and we believe they may be useful for the negotiation of measures to prevent and protect the health and employment of workers.