Union reports on injuries to hotel workers

CHICAGO, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A union representing U.S. hotel workers says women, Hispanics and Asians are more likely to be hurt doing their jobs.

Many hotel employees blame the larger beds chains use to tempt guests, The Miami Herald reported.

Francine Jones, who has been working for hotels for 18 years, is a housekeeper at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. "The mattresses, the carpets, the vacuums -- it's all very heavy," she said during a teleconference organized by Unite Here, the union.

A group of researchers retained by the union analyzed data on injuries. They concluded women, Asians and Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to be hurt on the job than white men.

Hispanic housekeepers had an even higher injury rate, twice that of all hotel employees.

Unite Here is negotiating contracts with several chains. Union officials say negotiators have been trying to get contractual language aimed at preventing injuries, including supplying fitted sheets so housekeepers do not have to lift mattresses to tuck sheets in.