The Minister of Economy and Labour spoke to the “undervalued and underappreciated” nature of housekeepers this week during an annual joint union meeting.

Jason Hayward reminded hotel cleaners that they were “essential workers” whose hard work provided “invaluable contributions to the hotels that employ them”.

He added: “I wish to commend you all for your service to the people of Bermuda, the visitors to our shores and our economy.

“You are what some may call the backbone of our hospitality industry.”

Mr Hayward was speaking during a ceremony at the Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters on Union Street, Hamilton, to celebrate the Annual Global Week of Action for Hotel Housekeepers.

The ceremony was held by the BIU in conjunction the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations.

Mr Hayward acknowledged that the everyday stress of cleaning, though seemingly normal to some, could become “a serious risk to health and safety” for housekeepers, particularly when under the strain of certain work environments.

He cited a US study of hotel workers that found that housekeepers suffered the highest rates of injury, with work intensity playing a significant role.

The minister added that workers who reported in the same study to make more than 18 beds per day reported a 44 per cent increase in lower back pain.

Mr Hayward reminded the union of the strides the Government had made towards safe and healthy working conditions, including mandatory anti-bullying policies and a minimum wage.

He added: “The maintenance of safe and healthy workplaces is key to maintaining a safe, supportive and strong working environment, and the Government of Bermuda is committed to ensuring that this will become a reality for all employees within Bermuda.”