SIPTU activists have commended the swift response of hotel workers to the high-rise fire in Ballymun, Dublin 11, last night (Wednesday, 21st March) during which staff played a crucial role in notifying people of the incident and assisting them in evacuating the building. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Ed Kenny, said: “This fire demonstrated the importance of having adequate staff numbers in a hotel, as this allowed workers to quickly notify guests throughout the building of the danger and assist them in the evacuation. “The effective actions of these workers were praised at the Annual Delegate Meeting of the Hospitality and Financial Services Sector in Liberty Hall in Dublin today (Thursday, 22nd March). At the meeting there was also discussion of the wider issues of the importance of adequate staffing levels and implementation of safety standards in hotels across the country.” SIPTU National Executive Member and hotel worker, Tim Herlihy, said: “Due to this fire starting at approximately 7.30 p.m. last night there was plenty of staff on duty to assist guests. However, such an incident affecting a hotel during the early hours of the morning could have a more tragic outcome because in many establishments there may be a lack of night staff on duty. “Having adequate night-time staff levels in hotels is essential. The fire last night should drive this message home to the hotel industry before there is a tragedy in the sector.”
SIPTU commends hotel workers actions in response to Ballymun high-rise fire
