This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
On June 3, 2020, a meeting between Fairmont Hotels and Resorts management and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions and Hospital Workers (Kudhehia) took place, leading to a change of heart regarding the fate of the hotel's employees.
Country Manager Mehdi Morad announced that the memo informing employees of their layoff had been withdrawn 'until an agreement with relevant stakeholders is reached.'
According to Morad, 'We would like to reiterate that the owners, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts and subsequently Accor Hotels are very committed towards the health, safety and well-being of their employees.'
However, Kudhehia expressed disappointment that the management had not agreed to hold talks on the redundancy issue, despite a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed with the union.
The union stated, 'We are shocked that the procedures and provisions used by the management while carrying out the redundancy do not meet the bare minimum requirements provided in the CBA.'
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the tourism industry, Fairmont is not alone in halting operations. Serena Hotels had previously sent its entire staff on unpaid leave.
