A Plan to Save Jobs for Hotel Workers
A Jobs-Saving Ordinance Receives First Passage by the City Council
Last night (October 15) a bill to guarantee a return to work for the over 700 hotel employees in the city who have lost work due to COVID-19. The important bill receives first passage by City Council, a step toward the ordinance becoming a city law. Majority Ryan said the following on the need for this bill:
Over 700 Providence hotel employees are currently laid off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “As the industry comes back online, it is important that we get our City’s hotel employees back to work. If you worked at a hotel in March and were laid off, then you should be called back when that hotel reopens. This important piece of legislation will ensure that our hardworking hospitality professionals get their jobs back and can reclaim their livelihoods.”
Leader Ryan continued, “Tourism is a vital component and revenue stream for the City of Providence. Currently, the City’s room occupancy tax revenue is down nearly $700,000 from last year. As travel begins to open up, the hospitality industry will return as a large economic generator for the City of Providence. The proposed legislation will ensure that these dedicated workers will have the option to return to their job by classification and seniority. It’s about fairness.”