Hotel Workers Fret Over a New Rival: Alexa at the Front Desk by Eduardo Porter

Name:
Course Code:
Date:
Industry Trends Research
Hotel Workers Fret Over a New Rival: Alexa at the Front Desk by Eduardo Porter
The article is centered on showing how robots are slowly taking over the service and hospitality industry. Until recently, many service jobs seemed secure from technology but lately, they are increasingly being taken. The author cites some already installed systems that have threatened layoffs in many hotels around the world. Notably, the Marriott hotel which entered an agreement with Amazon to install amazon echo devices in hotel rooms hence eliminating the role of a concierge. Porter also noted that there are ‘automatic dishwashers on the market; machines to flip burgers and mix cocktails; robots to deliver room service or help guests book a restaurant reservation.’ The author also points out other hospitality-dependent industries such as airlines are also experimenting on how to automate some of its services. The author notes that in a bid to ensure that technology does not hurt workers in the hospitality industry, workers can collectively call on their unions to fight for them. Porter notes that the UPS union service bargained for at least 6 months waiting time after a new technology is announced and the time it is deployed. The workers affected by the technology have to be involved before deployment. the author suggests the workers bargain for hefty retrenchment packages, the company to find jobs for displaced workers and allow the workers to share in the productivity gains. The author notes that it is impossible to fight technology and innovation and the service industry and by extension, the hospitality industry workers should find ways to coexist with it.
Facial Recogni...