All Italian hotel unions have called for a national strike in all Starwood operations on January 29, to contest the chain's plans to unilaterally implement layoffs and outsourcing. The Ciga Starwood hotel chain, with more than 20 luxury hotels in Italy, informed the three Italian trade unions FILCAMS-CGIL, FISASCAT-CISL and UILTuCS-UIL in early January that cost-cutting measures were necessary in view of the continuing difficulties in the sector and the economy.
The chain has announced a plan which includes the closure of some offices, the outsourcing of services such as room cleaning, laundry, maintenance and banquets, and revision of work schedules and rests. These changes could result in the dismissal of 654 employees, including 424 with fixed contracts and 230 with seasonal contracts. The unions decided to take strike action in response to management's refusal to discuss alternatives. One union demonstration has already taken place at a Starwood hotel in Rome (see photos).
The IUF secretariat and affiliates in the hotel sector have expressed their support for the Italian unions.