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The Mandarin Oriental has laid off 20 workers despite a promise that there would be no redundancies during its eight-month renovation.

The five-star hotel said yesterday the 20 redundancies were found to be necessary only after an internal review of services following the hotel's temporary closure last month.

'The hotel is under restructuring due to renovation and new dining and service concepts. The 20 redundancies are required after the company has objectively reviewed services at the hotel,' said the director of communications, Shevaun Porter.

There was no plan for further redundancies at this time, she said.

Last month, the hotel announced that  any staff who wanted to stay would be given training opportunities or work at other organisations in the Jardine group during the renovations.

The landmark hotel will be closed for eight months for a facelift that will cost US$140 million.

At least five laid-off workers from the hotel's steward and engineering departments have approached unions for help.

They are demanding reinstatement in their original jobs. The five have been with the hotel for seven to 13 years.

Unions are appealing for the other 15 to come forward.

The 20 workers received redundancy notices last week.

'The hotel promised  no one would be fired because of the renovation. But it lied,'  said a sacked woman worker.  'Many experienced workers were fired as the company wants to save money.'

She said she was just about to start at a catering company under the group when she was made redundant.

The other four workers were also waiting for redeployment when they were given notice.

Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions deputy director  Ip Wai-ming yesterday accused the hotel of deceiving workers.

Unionist legislator Wong Kwok-hing also accused the hotel of ignoring its social responsibilities.

A spokesman for the Labour Department said no workers had sought help from it so far.

About 820 staff work at the Mandarin Oriental in Central, which has been in  service since  1963.



Mandarin Oriental fires 20 despite promise