Sek trade union on Wednesday accused hoteliers of trying to circumvent previously agreed modalities that form the basis of a Memorandum of Agreement leading to the renewal of a collective agreement in the sector.

It warned of strike action if the agreement was not upheld.

The union said that during discussions at the House labour committee on Tuesday they were invited to participate in discussions but witnessed “once again” the “unacceptable attitude” of employers’ organisations who questioned what was agreed in December 2024.

Last year’s deal had been signed by all parties in the presence of the labour minister, Sek said.

“The employers’ side has become completely emboldened, going so far as to break official commitments and disregard institutional procedures,” the union said in a statement.

Sek said the employers’ federation had questioned important provisions of the agreement, such as the increase in the provident fund percentage and the method of compensation for three additional days of holiday leave, requesting that they not be incorporated into the MoU.

“This unacceptable attitude and action on the part of hoteliers completely negates the philosophy of the Memorandum of Agreement at the same time that numerous violations of the collective agreement are being identified in the hotel industry,” it said.

“As unions of workers in the hotel industry, we unequivocally denounce the hoteliers’ attempts to circumvent what they, by signing, agreed to grant to their employees – especially at a time when the tourism industry is recording record arrivals and revenues.”

Sek called on the labour ministry and the minister himself to remind the employers’ organisations of what has been agreed and to “stand against the deeply offensive attitude” of the hoteliers, ensuring that what has been agreed will be implemented without deviations.

At the same time, the union called on parliament not to allow the undermining of labour institutions.

“Otherwise, we are left with no other choice but to take dynamic measures to ensure the agreements and rights of workers in the hotel industry,” it concluded.