WASHINGTON, DC— Hoteliers here are reportedly claiming that with fewer business and group travelers this fall— and even fewer expected for the coming winter months— they will likely be forced to lay off workers. According to a story carried in The Washington Post, the bleak prediction comes after more than half the District’s 8,000 unionized hotel, restaurant and airport service workers were laid off after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and only this spring did many of them return to full-time work. Even now, in what is claimed to be typically one of the busiest seasons for the industry, local union leaders have been cited as saying about 15% of their members are working only a few days a week, or a week or two out of the month. According to officials quoted in the article, from Thanksgiving until mid-January (when business travel to this destination usually slows), it is anticipated up to 30% of the District’s unionized hospitality workers could be working fewer hours or not at all. As stated in the report, many hotel workers usually have their hours cut back after Thanksgiving because of less business from then through New Years Day. This year, however, the pain is said to be more acute for hoteliers and workers because the normally busy season from Labor Day to Thanksgiving has not been as profitable as industry analysts and hotel executives had initially expected. Specifically, it was noted occupancy rates in the District are typically 60% – 70% during the fall, but have been down by as much as 15% – 20% at some properties. And nightly room rates overall are said to be lower as well because high-paying business travelers have cut back on trips. On the other hand, it was reported that officials at many hotels in the area said they were seeing shorter booking windows and are unsure how full their hotels will be this winter. SOURCE: Washington Post
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