Queenstown hotels hit by workers’ strike

Press, 12 March 1985, Page 9

Queenstown hotels hit by workers’ strike

From

SUE FEA

in Queenstown

All Queenstown’s main hotels had only limited service from midday yesterday, after members of the Hotel Workers’ Union agreed to a 3Vz-day strike. Management at all hotels did their best to maintain limited services yesterday, but main dining-rooms were closed and only Continental breakfasts are being served to many guests this morning.

More than 300 union members joined the walkout as part of a national campaign over their award claims. That number may nearly double today, when

many workers return from days off. Many tourists arrived at their hotels after having left similar strikes elsewhere. The strike will end at midnight on Thursday, which means a hard week for the few management staff at most hotels. Most of the big hotels are full, and the tour season is still at its peak. Six management staff will have to cater for about 200 guests at Travelodge alone this week. Most small restaurants in Queenstown were not greatly affected by the strike, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the town for about 10 years.

Wives and girlfriends of management staff helped out at the Remarkables Resort Hotel at Frankton, where about 60 per cent of the staff walked off the job. Two management employees appeared at a smorgasbord meal for guests last evening. Many main dining-rooms in the town were closed, some remaining open to house guests only. Staff at the T.H.C. Wanaka also met yesterday, and agreed to a two-day strike. Union members walked out from 10 p.m. yesterday and are expected to return to work at midnight tomorrow.