SEVERAL unionised hospitality workers from the historic E & O Hotel - are holding a protest to mark their disagreement with the management over the latest negotiations for wages and fringe benefits.
The protest was held for the last two days outside the hotel.
Among the important guests, who stayed at the luxurious property, was the current Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.
The hotel took to social media to explain that the management is currently working on a resolution with the union that has been taking place over a short period.
"We fully respect the rights of some of our employees who have decided to picket in the meantime."
The comfort of the guests remains the top priority and the hotel had taken steps to ensure its service remains.
"We also appreciate the ongoing support of our guests and partners."
Members from the Malaysian Association of Hotels revealed that the industry is strained by an acute workers shortage because wages are not as competitive as before.
A large segment of its workers have moved onto casual online jobs such as ride sharing and food deliveries, while some workers prefer to head overseas for better pay.
While there are many new hospitality properties in the market, the wages is no exactly attractive and many hotel executives are concerned that a glut of rooms may emerge.
Penang has around 17,000 registered hotel rooms according to MAH, with 2,000 coming onstream within the last two years alone. - May 23, 2025.
