LHMU News
Meet Preeta:the voice of Hyatt members
Hyatt members have begun negotiations on a new union agreement. They want higher pay and a better work-life balance but Hyatt Hotels is trying to strip away conditions.
Representing members across Australia in negotiations is Preeta Ramchurn-Madhour from Melbourne’s Park Hyatt. A food and beverage attendant, Preeta got involved because she feels actions speak louder than words.
“I always complained but didn’t have an opportunity to say anything so this was my chance to stop complaining and do something.”
During the negotiations Preeta has spoken out about the benefits of keeping staff happy and how this creates more productive workplaces.
She has also been talking with other members about the changes they want to see in their workplaces.
“We don’t have a life, our lives just rotate around the hotel, around the industry,” said Preeta.
“The pay is very meagre so we need to work many more hours.”
Preeta said members are angry about the rostering and the little respect shown for their personal lives.
“You don’t know when you’re going home, even if on the roster it says a certain time, and they don’t even bother to ask you if it’s OK that you stay.”
Mauritian born Preeta is showing her colleagues how they can build a strong voice.
She is enjoying her role but stresses we need to bring the whole industry together to win real change.
“If we are not together as a team, as a group, it won’t happen. It will take us all to be together.”
