Here at The First Star we’re beginning to get an idea of a hotel’s attitude by how they treat union officials. At the Stamford Hotel at Circular Quay they keep things pretty simple by denying union officials access to the canteen – which is the only place they could talk to workers.
Housekeeping are being told to finish the rooms after their 8 hours, and without being offered any overtime payment. Food and beverage workers half-hour break usually only last 10 minutes. The First Star think that these might indicate a lack of staff.
Stamford Hotels within Australia have implemented an environmental sustainability strategy termed “Go Green”. This includes providing an incentive (a 20% discount at the hotel restaurant) for all guests who reuse their towels, or choose not to have their room serviced. Sir Stamford has also installed compact fluorescent light globes in all areas that are lit 24 hours a day. Automatic light sensors have been installed for lighting outside the hotel, and motion sensor lighting in low traffic areas.
But once again we have got to ask is this greenwash or an authentic commitment to preserve the environment for future generations? No one really knows and that’s a problem for this hotel and every other luxury hotel in Australia. This lack of a consistent, authoritative and transparent environmental rating system really means that no one can be sure if they’re being snowed by marketing or actually making a difference.
