Research project reveals Myanmar hotel working conditions
Although unions are forming at a rapid rate in Myanmar, currently there is only one unionised hotel, Yangon’s five star Governor’s Residence.
This union was formed two years ago by five employees, unhappy at some of the harsh conditions imposed on staff.
Since April, our intrepid project researchers, Yi Yi Lynn and Nyan Naing have been scoping hotels, interviewing staff and collecting information about wages and conditions.
Hotel work is seen to pay better than other jobs but, without service charges which can boost salaries considerably – particularly at busy times – most hotel workers earn only $US30-100 a month.
This is in spite of most tourists paying international rates for rooms.
The next phase of this joint project with the International Union of Food Workers will see workers in large hotel chains provided with union training and organising skills so the advantages of belonging to a union – such as better wages, conditions, and health and welfare benefits – can be extended beyond the Governor’s Residence.
