Employees strike at Brussels’ Hotel Amigo

About 100 of the 150 employees of the five-star Hotel Amigo in Brussels went on strike yesterday morning, a day before a key European summit in the capital, reports the socialist trade union FGTB Horval. The strike was expected to last until this morning if the FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue responds to the trade union’s request for reconciliation meetings.

The strike notice was filed due to the hotel’s failure to comply with regulations on working hours, according to the union, which claims that the hotel management requires flexibility from its employees, while failing to provide overtime pay.

The union also criticised the unequal distribution of tips. "Some employees earn €300 a month in tips, while the room cleaners often take home less than €1 a month," according to the union. The union is therefore demanding a fair distribution that takes into account the number of days worked rather than the job.

All departments have been affected by the strike, from the breakfast service and room care to the valet service and reception.