Workers protest “fake” green initiatives at Toronto hotels

A report in today’s Toronto Star describes the “fake” green initiatives some hotels are employing to cut housekeepers’ jobs. The Sheraton Toronto Centre encourages guests to refuse housekeeping services under its “Green Choice Program,” claiming it will “conserve natural resources” and is better for the environment. In return, the hotel gives the guests who refuse housekeeping services a $5 drinks voucher. Housekeepers like Brigida Ruiz (pictured, right) say they up spending more time, using more energy and more chemicals cleaning rooms that have been left without housekeeping services for several days.

See the Toronto Star report for more details on the “fake” green programs.

This Friday, hundreds of UNITE HERE Local 75 hotel workers in Toronto are holding a public briefing in city council chambers at Toronto City Hall to kick off city-wide hotel negotiations.

Vancouver hotel workers in the GVHEA contract will also begin bargaining soon. The Hyatt, Westin Bayshore, Renaissance and Four Seasons contract expires on June 30. Delta Vancouver Airport and Hilton Metrotown contracts expire at the same time.