Chambermaids claim bending down the main cause of injuries

The Canarian Federation of Trades Unions (FSC) has called upon the Canarian Government to amend tourism laws to introduce elevating beds and motorised trolleys for chambermaids in hotels.

Chambermaids claim that repeatedly bending to make beds and manoeuvring heavy trolleys are among the main causes of injuries, muscle strains and back problems.

The FSC has called on the regional government to protect workers’ health and rights and not to give in to pressure from the tourist industry.

Three years ago, the Balearic Islands introduced just such an amendment, which requires the gradual replacement of over 300,000 beds in four- and five-star hotels and improved the working conditions of 20,000 chambermaids.

The FSC has also called for the government to recognise chambermaids as a “vulnerable group” whose work makes them especially prone to injury. Such recognition would entitle chambermaids to early retirement.