5.5. Equal opportunity and diversity
Most hotel chains recognize and appreciate diversity of people, ideas and cultures,
and believe that diversity in their workforce is required for their businesses to succeed. All
the major chains have significant diversity initiatives in place and are supporting a culture
of inclusion – where employees at every level and from all backgrounds, can reach their
maximum potential. The majority of the large chains now have diversity councils and
diversity committees to help make progress in their strategy. In support of this they have
clear equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies together with anti-harassment and
anti-bullying policies, covering all major issues. See also the Human Rights section below.
Economic migration is an increasing issue for the hotel sector, with growing
movement both within countries and across borders for employment; indeed it is often
encouraged. According to the 2001 ILO report on Human resources in the hotel, catering
and tourism sector, the majority of migrant workers are drawn into lower paid, informal or
casual employment in services. 60 Although many migrant workers stay for many years,
they often remain at low skill levels compared to local workers. Although migrant workers
are covered by the range of inclusions in hotel equal opportunities policies, they are often
not mentioned specifically. There has been growing concern among unions that migrant
staff are being unfairly treated in some host countries or organizations. This can sometimes
be as simple as not having their experience and skills recognized and always having to start
at the bottom. Greater international recognition of qualifications and vocational skills, and
more equitable treatment of migrants are needed to avoid such situations.
To address this issue in Europe, the union federation EFFAT (European Federation of
Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions) has been working with the trade association
HOTREC (Hotels, Restaurants & Cafés in Europe) to develop a “European Qualifications
Passport” for the hotel and catering industry. 61 Such a passport should: