United Voice, the hotel workers’ union, and InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) have launched The First Star, described as “a historic new approach to industrial relations in Australiaâ€.
The union and hotel chain say they will be working together to improve the hotel industry for travellers and workers alike “by highlighting hotels that treat workers and the environment properlyâ€.
IHG has been awarded a First Star rating by United Voice members based on their treatment of workers and the environment.
Louise Tarrant, national secretary of United Voice said, “No one knows hotels better than the workers who work inside of hotels. Hotel workers have inside knowledge of what’s going on behind the scenes—of what hotel operators are actually doing.
“This landmark initiative leads the way for key stakeholders, including the union, industry groups and employers, to work together to improve the tourism industry.â€
The launch also saw the unveiling of the First Star website—an online travel booking system which, the union said, helps travellers to know which IHG hotels “are environmentally conscious and treat workers wellâ€.
Tarrant added, “We hope that other hotel operators follow IHG’s lead.â€
