Legal protection across Europe for trade union members in the hotel, restaurant and catering sector

Hotels, restaurants and catering is a sector without frontiers.

Every year, the hospitality sector trains hundreds of thousands of young people for skilled jobs in the hotel, restaurant and catering industry. Many skilled workers travel abroad to take advantage of the opportunities offered by this international industry – to get to know other countries, learn new skills and improve their career prospects.

They know the advantages of working abroad, but are they aware of the pitfalls? Do they know what to do if

they are unable to get answers to their questions on employment and social rights?
employers do not comply with collective agreements or legal regulations?
they are not paid?
they have a dispute with their employer?

Because of the international nature of this sector, an international response is needed from the trade unions, and here it is.

The trade union response: protection for employees’ rights across Europe

For our members, union membership means enjoying the benefits of trade union support everywhere in Europe! This is because lot of unions are a member of EFFAT, the European Federation of Trade Unions in the Food, Agriculture and Tourism Sectors.

Professionals helping professionals

EFFAT member organisations in the hospitality sector offer the following services:

information on collective agreements, laws, workers’
rights, etc.
trade union advice on issues related to collective
agreements, labour law and other areas
representation in the courts of the country in which you
are working in matters related to collective agreements,
social and employment rights

All you need to do is provide

written confirmation of membership in your national
trade union
proof of regular payment of membership contributions in
your home country

Your union will not leave you out in the cold when you are working abroad. We offer you protection for your rights throughout Europe. And, of course, these services are free of charge to union members.

Exclusively for you!

Want to be able to work anywhere in Europe and enjoy protection without frontiers? No problem if you are a member of your national trade union or of an EFFAT trade union in the country where you are working.