REPORTAGE
After nearly a month of strike, the maids of the hotel Ibis des Batignolles continue their mobilization. Since mid-July, she has been demanding better working conditions and a direct hiring by the hotel while they are now employed by a subcontractor. "We're here until we get satisfaction," says Rachel, a protester.
Since July 17, the maids of the hotel are demonstrating in front of the establishment, making reasoning drums and shaking bottles filled with rice to be heard. Nothing in the organization is left to chance. "The solidarity fund will allow us to eat," says a protester. "Me, I bring meat with peas, others make rice or Mafe sauce".
The example of Park Hyatt's maids
Despite the hustle and bustle, hotel guests come in and out, often indifferent. However, the maids ensure that their movement can last a long time, and want to be inspired by the example of other maids of the capital, those of the Park Hyatt Vendome, who, after 87 days of conflict, have obtained won in December and reached an agreement on staff representatives and salaries.
This victory, Rachel still has it in mind. "Even if it is until December, we are here," she confirms at the microphone of Europe 1. "Even if it is until one, two years, we are there, until 'we get satisfaction.'
Blocking on the food allowance
Discussions are already taking place with the management of the hotel, but for the strikers, the account is not there, especially on the issue of the reduction of rates. "The maids must do three and a half rooms an hour, so we asked that we remove this half-room," said Europe 1 Aboubacar, member of the CGT. Another blocking point is the negotiation of a food allowance, in the form of a packed lunch. "We proposed management 7.24 euros and the management offers us 2 euros," regrets the unionist.
Pending a possible resolution of the conflict, women are preparing for their first month of strike on Saturday. "There will be people," they promise.