Law, Governance, and Public Policy for Hospitality industry workers

The Indian hospitality industry, a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, employs over 8 million workers as of 2023, yet many earn below the minimum wage, highlighting the urgent need for robust legal protections. Since the 1991 economic liberalization, the sector has witnessed significant growth, relying heavily on a labour-intensive workforce that includes servers, housekeepers, cooks, and porters.

Despite its economic significance—accounting for approximately 10% of India’s workforce in 2018—hospitality workers face persistent challenges such as low wages, long working hours, job insecurity, and limited social protections, particularly in the informal sector.

This study examines how legal frameworks, governance structures, and public policies can address these labour challenges in India’s hospitality industry, proposing a Fair and Decent Work Agenda (FDWA) to enhance worker protections and promote sustainable growth in the sector.