VOICE OF THE
WORKERS ISSUE 16 APRIL 2014
Contents Service, no matter what?
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The impact of Tourism
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The European Union’s Tourism Policy
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Achieving Competitiveness in the Tourism Sector
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Tourism and the EU
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Tourism and its Workers EVERYBODY AGREES. TOURISM IS VITAL TO THE MALTESE ECONOMY. IT PROVIDES WORK FOR MALTESE AND FOREIGNERS ALIKE; IT IS A MAJOR REVENUE EARNER, AND A HOST OF BUSINESS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OWE THEIR LIVELIHOOD TO IT Tourism has always been an opportunity for Malta, and its flexibility as a tourist destination is the envy of others. It’s not just sun and sea. It’s culture, religion, sports, business, health and leisure. However, not all that glitters is gold. We need to be aware of the price we might be paying for this success. Some costs might be inevitable; others are definitely not worth it, and are outright dangerous. Unfortunately, behind the attractive façade, there lie a number of hidden realities that are not apparent to a service user or people outside the industry. VOICE OF THE
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Workers in the tourist industry are scattered all over the island, in different organizations, many of which are micro, and some are relatively large. The work they do is very different, and many workers cannot be categorized into a specific work genre. The scattered workforce in the tourist industry makes worker organization and solidarity a challenge. Also, work is so diverse, that work contracts differ widely. These include workers who are contracted, sub-contracted, parttime, full-time indefinite contracts, full-time with definite contracts, seasonal contracts, and workers who are engaged according to
EDITOR’S NOTE JOSEF VELLA
demand, sometimes illegally. This variety makes standardization and basic worker rights difficult to achieve. This is not to say that there are no workers in the sector organized in trade unions. But the fact is that an ever-growing sector of workers in the tourist sector goes unregulated. Another aspect worthy of discussion is the fact that a decreasing number of Maltese workers are willing to work in the tourist sector. This can be due, among others, to changing lifestyles as well as a changing work ethic. Less people would be willing to work on Sundays and 1
EDITORIAL
Public holidays and at night, sometimes in challenging or stressful conditions, as well as the lack of adequate conditions of work. There is also the increasing phenomenon of the hiring of foreign workers, sometimes sourced for cheap labour. Apart from issues ranging from unacceptable work conditions, issues of health and safety, and exploitation, this, creates a downward pressure on general working conditions. Also because of this, the Maltese tourist industry might be losing on its “Maltese’ touch, and the service is becoming increasingly foreign.
opportunities for workers to form tourism co-operatives. The benefits accruing here include a better spread of the distribution of wealth over more people, and workers themselves become entrepreneurs, owning their own business rather than being hired; the sense of ownership in work increases, and with it, conditions of work as well as quality of services rendered. Moreover, tourism co-operatives provide the opportunity to spread the business risk over more people, and encourage investment in areas that have not been previously tapped.
Worldwide, female workers in the Hotel and Catering industry form a majority. Locally, we need to ensure maximum access to female participation in the industry, and work towards the opening up of more management positions in the sector to women.
Tourism is not just an industry. It has become part and parcel of our national identity. The Maltese are renowned for their hospitality, friendliness and warmth. It is essential that the
respect we afford our esteemed visitors is also extended to our workers in the industry, both directly and indirectly. Happy and satisfied workers are the best means to providing an excellent service to the visitor. We need to make a joint effort in engaging in frank and constructive discussion over the different issues. We need to realize that worker organization and solidarity can make a positive contribution not just to workers’ well-being, but also on the industry and the economy itself. All players need each other. The more we work together, the more aware we are of all of us to be organized. The more skills we acquire, the more our possibilities of success increase. We have the opportunity to make an already important sector work even better. We all stand to gain.
The challenges here are numerous, and there is a lot to be done. First and foremost, we need to augment our skills training in the sector, both with regards to basic education, as well as ongoing development. In this sector we also see significant
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PICTURE STORY
Service, no matter what? Tourism is essential for all of us. Whether directly or indirectly connected, tourism has a profound impact socially, economically as well as environmentally. However, what price may we be paying for this success? Can there be a balance between customer demands and worker welfare? Tourism is very labour intensive, and this means that every tourist comes into contact with a large number of human, service providers. Happy, satisfied, flexible, efficient and smiling workers make all the difference. We need together to develop tourism with a more human face, where excellent service, is the result of respect for workers’ rights. VOICE OF THE
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THE IMPACT OF TOURISM – FEATURE
THE
IMPACT OF TOURISM Tourism is a very important feature in many countries. It has a significant impact on the economic, social, and cultural and environmental fabric worldwide. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation defines tourism as follows: “Tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes.” The industry includes a host of establishments and businesses directly related to it, namely: a. hotels, boarding houses, motels, tourist camps, holiday centres; b. restaurants, bars, cafeterias, snack bars, pubs, nightclubs and other similar establishments; c. establishments for the provision of meals and refreshments within the framework of industrial and VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
institutional catering (for hospitals, factory and office canteens, schools, aircraft, ships, etc.; d. travel agencies and tourist guides, tourism information offices; e. conference and exhibition centres. f. visitor attractions - sector, which encompasses natural, cultural and heritage sites, museums, as well as zoos and theme parks Global tourism The tourism sector accounts for more than 260 million jobs worldwide, and growing. The UNWTO is expecting the sector‘s global economy to provide 296 million jobs in 2019.According to the International Labour Organisation, that’s about one in twelve jobs, which together contribute to about 9% of global GDP and 6% of the world’s exports. All this means is that 1
in 11 jobs worldwide are in the tourism sector. Tourism has seen an rapid increase globally. From 25 million in 1950, the figure increased to 1035 million in 2012. There are also 5 to six billion domestic tourists every year. Tourism in Malta Malta’s tourism Arrivals account for around 1.5 million people. Tourist Expenditure in 2012 was around €1.3 billion. Per capita, that amounts to €931. These tourists arrive from different continents as described below: • Europe 51.6% • Asia and the Pacific 22.6% • Americas 15.7% • Africa 5.1% • Middle East 5% The average employment in accommodation (Full & Part Time, was 8743 persons, and in the food 4
THE IMPACT OF TOURISM – FEATURE
and beverage service the number was 11362. More than half of tourism expenditure excluding accommodation is spent on food and drink (50.4%). Shopping reaches 17.7%, Recreation 15.5%,Transport 10.6%, and other expenditure 6.3%. From research carried out by the Malta Tourism Authority, the main words associated with Malta are: ‘Welcoming’, ‘Hospitable’, ‘Culture’, and ‘Heritage’. Workers’ issues Consumer demand patterns in hotels and restaurants require working conditions that are frequently characterized as unsocial and irregular working hours in the form of split shifts, weekend shifts, nightshifts, or work during holiday periods. These working conditions heighten stress on workers and make it work-lif balance, as well as family responsibilities a challenge, This is true especially for women. Here, the provision of childcare services becomes crucial. “The predominance of on-call, casual, temporary, seasonal and parttime employment is related to insecurity, comparatively low pay (frequently below the national average), job instability, limited career opportunity, a high level of
subcontracting and outsourcing, and a high turnover rate. All of these vary from country to country. Within the EU, while the overall tendency leans toward more part-time employment in general, there is a broad variation between Portugal with 5 per cent part-time employment, the United Kingdom where 50 per cent are part time and the Netherlands where there are 68 per cent. In Spain only 64 per cent of the workforce is employed throughout the whole year, which is a result of changing seasons at resorts which rely mainly on beach tourism. Subcontracting and outsourcing account for 4.6 per cent of employees in Spain. (ILO) The tourism industry workforce also carries significant numbers of workers who lack training as well as the necessary skills. This also includes a sizeable number who are not in the sector for the long haul. An example of this is the large number of students employed in peak periods. On the other hand, the flexibility of this industry can be an advantage, as it can also provide the flexibility to people who need it; something that can be missing in other sectors.
“Around the world, between 13 and 19 million people aged under 18 work in an occupation linked to tourism. They represent some 10–15 per cent of the tourism workforce. Both girls and boys work behind the scenes in tourist accommodation, providing food and beverages (especially in informal street settings), supporting recreational activities (caddying, carrying purchases), or producing and selling trinkets and souvenirs. Many work long hours in poor or dangerous working conditions. It is estimated that 2 million children in the world are victims of commercial sexual exploitation, much of it linked to entertainment and tourism.” (ILO) Tourism is an opportunity for job creation, the elimination of poverty, and the creation of opportunity for millions of people. However, these opportunities can only be maximised through tripartite discussion among the social partners, where measures and policies can strike a balance between economic and market demands, to the human, social and environmental aspect.
Tourism is an opportunity for job creation, the elimination of poverty, and the creation of opportunity for millions of people
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MEUSAC
The European Union’s Tourism Policy Europe is the world’s largest player when it comes to tourism, with the highest density and diversity of tourist attractions. As a result, the tourism industry has become one of the key sectors of the European economy, generating, directly or indirectly, over 10% of the EU’s GDP and employing more than 10 million in almost 2 million businesses. Tourism contributes to: • employment and regional development; • sustainable development; • an enhanced natural and cultural heritage; and • the shaping and promotion of a European identity which is the result of centuries of cultural exchanges, linguistic diversity and creativity.
Over the years, the EU has been able to lay solid foundations for a European tourism policy, stressing factors which determine its competitiveness while taking account of the need for further sustainable development. With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the importance of tourism has been taken to a European level through support, coordination and complementary action by Member States. As laid down in the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), the EU therefore: • promotes the competitiveness of this sector and the creation of an environment that enhances and promotes development;
• encourages cooperation between Member States, particularly through the exchange of good practice; and • develops an integrated approach to tourism that ensures that the sector is taken into account in its other policies. European tourism still faces major challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, the industry must adapt to social developments influencing tourist demand whilst on the other, it must face up to the constraints imposed by the sector, its specific characteristics and its economic and social context.
MEUSAC 280 Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1112 Tel: +356 2200 3315 • Fax: +356 2200 3329 • Email: info.meusac@gov.mt www.meusac.gov.mt VOICE OF THE
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MCESD
Achieving Competitiveness in the Tourism Sector TOURISM STATISTICS SHOW AN INCREASE OVER THE YEARS AND HAVE BEEN REGARDED AS GREAT MILESTONES TO OUR ECONOMY Tourism is undoubtedly one of the best drivers of the local economy. With an increasing amount of tourists visiting our islands, this role has increased over the years notwithstanding the various challenges that this industry faces.
trying to attract both external and inter-island tourism by organising events such as Carnival and Betlehem f’Għajnsielem amongst others. A major problem to Gozo however still remains that of accessibility.
problem of skills shortage in this regard. Improving accessibility to our islands is also an issue which needs relative attention. One needs to ensure a better tourism product and a diverse and competitive product
Being an island has both its positive and negative aspects in tourism terms. Malta needs to make an extra effort to ensure that it remains competitive it the tourism market. Issues such as bureaucracy and utility tariffs might have hindered the competitiveness of this industry in this regard.
We have to ensure that we remain competitive in the tourism market and hence the need to focus more of our human resources towards this industry. Some have said that the education system is not directing enough students towards this industry. Further efforts need to be made to make the tourism subject more attractive and to demonstrate to pupils that one can have a prosperous career in this industry. Some say that Malta has a
Malta has various challenges in this industry however such challenges need to be turned into possibilities for the tourism industry. Continuous private and public investment together with the development of niche markets and improvement of accessibility will ensure further success to the tourism industry on the Maltese Islands.
Strategic marketing efforts need to be made to ensure that tourism is attracted to the Maltese islands all year round. The sister island of Gozo is currently working around the issue of seasonality and
MCESD 280/3, Republic Street, Valletta, VLT1112 Tel: (+356) 2200 3300 www.mcesd.org.mt VOICE OF THE
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Tourism and the EU
The results of this consultation helped assess the impacts of the initiative. The consultation ran from 13 April 2012 to 13 July 2012. Here the link to access the consultation: http://tinyurl.com/mag75sa Consultation on the European tourism of the future The main objectives of this consultation are twofold: better identify the key challenges and opportunities for the European tourism industry; help revising, if necessary, the Action Plan for the sector adopted by the European Commission in 2010 (COM(2010)352). The European Commission is organising in parallel another consultation on ways to further reduce the regulatory and administrative burden on the sector, tourism-related public administrations and other tourism stakeholders in the EU.
In this context, the EU Social Partners in the contract catering sector, EFFAT (European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions) and FoodServiceEurope, call on Member States to seize the opportunities that were lost at EU level. More information here: http://www.effat.org/en/node/10869 Join in, be part of the European Route of the Cooperative Culture! Are you a cooperative contributing to preserve and value the local industrial, cultural and natural heritage? Are you interested in developing the tourism potential of your cooperative and learn from other European experiences? As you may know, CECOP is coordinating the Cooproute project co-financed by the European Commission, which is about the creation and development of a European Route of Cooperative Culture, an itinerary going through various European countries. We have just launched the Call for applicants addressed to identify the sites that will be part of this itinerary, which will have the opportunity to gain from its visibility at the European level. Submit your application (in English) before the 30 April 2014 to elisa.terrasi@cecop.coop More information at: http://tinyurl.com/njgd8h2
PRESS RELEASE
New Public Procurement Directives: The Social Partners in the Contract Catering Sector call on EU Member States to strive for socially responsible tenders On the 11th of February 2014 in Brussels was adopted by the Council the new Public Procurement Package that paves the way for implementation by the EU Member States within two years.
INITIATIVES
OPEN CONSULTATIONS
Open Consultation on the European Tourism Label for Quality Systems Initiative During the preparatory phase of the European Tourism Quality Principles, the European Commission conducted a public consultation to obtain the views of a wide circle of public and private stakeholders and individuals on a possible EU action in this field.
SURVERY
Amongst other things, the European Union is about the movement of persons. Tourism is about this movement of persons, and its contribution to European life is significant. The Brussels Office of the Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori has brought together onformation regarding different initiatives on this important sector, including consultation, research, and initiatives.
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