Boston Hyatts swap outsourcing firms
The three Boston Hyatts have ended their contract with Hospitality Staffing Solutions, an outsourcing company the hotels used to replace 98 staff housekeepers, and installed United Service Cos. in its place.
The housekeepers who were working for Hospitality Staffing will now be employed by United and will retain their Hyatt jobs at the same wage of $8 an hour.
Last week, Hyatt offered its former housekeepers, who were fired Aug. 31, jobs with Chicago-based United with their old wage rate guaranteed until the end of 2010.
The majority of the housekeepers have rejected the offer, saying they want their old jobs back.
In a statement, Hyatt Hotels Corp. said: “We are making this change because United was able to offer us a complete package that also provides new positions and outplacement services to all former Hyatt housekeepers, which HSS is not in a position to do.’’
The change means some of the fired housekeepers could return to work at a Hyatt hotel under United. “It’s possible that they could be placed there,’’ said Hyatt spokeswoman Farley Kern.
Unite Here Local 26 president Janice Loux, who has been organizing rallies for the nonunion housekeepers, said, “Why is this company so resistant to giving these women their jobs back?’’
Hospitality Staffing Solutions said in a statement that it and Hyatt “mutually agreed to end the contractual relationship.’’
