< PreviousSecret Hotelier hoteliermiddleeast.com September 2022 50 Secret Hotelier My ex-employer refuses to pay my gratuity There are plenty of things that I used to love about the hospitality industry. The people, the beautiful hotels and the great perks that came with the job. But every industry, even one as glamorous as hospitality, has its bad seeds. I used to work for a major hospitality group, before receiving a better opportunity at another company. After I handed in my resignation at a hotel I spent nine years working for, they refused to pay me my last fi nal salary and end of service. I not only fulfi lled my month’s notice but out of courtesy extended it by a week in order to train my replacement. It has been over two months since I left the hotel and until now they have avoided all communication with me. When I approached them in person, they said hotels aren’t required to follow labour laws. So, I appointed a lawyer and opened a case against the hotel. This is now under process. I am sure at some point that I will have justice, but I know I am not alone in going through something like this, and not everyone will get what they’re due. Throughout my decade in hospitality, I have seen and heard horror stories and the situation only became worse after the Covid-19 pandemic. We work so hard in hospitality. Although most hotel employees are contracted to work nine hours a day with one hour for lunch that is simply not the reality. After the pandemic with hundreds of people being let go, the others had to pick up the slack. When hotels discovered that one person can, in fact, do the job of two people or more without being properly compensated, they continued taking advantage of workers who were desperate to keep their jobs. Thankfully I have the safety net of another paying job already, so I have the privilege of not letting this go. My lawyers are constantly in touch with the HR department, who are continuing to refuse payment. Many other employees, especially ones who work in housekeeping, front offi ce and valet, have also been refused what they’re owed but are too afraid to pursue legal measures. It is sad to see that even after the pandemic, hotels are taking advantage of staff. Although publicly all hotels, including the group I work for, spoke to the media about the importance of staff and keeping people happy. But the truth is, only a handful of people are appreciated. The leadership make us feel like we should be grateful to have a job, rather than making us feel like we are part of a team. Managers everywhere see how much people need work, so they take advantage of that by pushing people to their limit, especially during the high season. This is why people want to leave this industry. It is hard to see how people are being ground down. If you had asked me fi ve or six years ago to leave hospitality, it would have been hard for me, but today, I found a company that will give me better pay, better privileges and more benefi ts. The hotel industry has changed massively over the last 10 years, unfortunately not always for the better when it comes to employees. To share your opinion anonymously, contact yousra.zaki@itp.com.GLOW - exclusive novelty 2022 W W W . Z I EHER . C OMNext >