More than just a workplace: How the union became a lifeline for the Hotel Miramar Family

When Hotel Miramar closed its doors at the end of October 2025, it wasn't just a business shutting down. It was the end of a chapter for the people who walked those halls every day. For the staff at Hotel Miramar, the recent transition had been a period of immense change. Yet, in the face of uncertainty, they found themselves not navigating the storm alone.

From veteran staff to new hires, the consensus is clear: the Food Drink and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) was more than a mediator; it was a partner in their journey.

A safety net in uncertain times

For many, the news of retrenchment brought an immediate sense of displacement. Brendan Eng (pictured below), who transitioned to a personal driver role, recalls the crushing weight of the moment. 

"It was a huge sense of loss," Brendan reflected. 

"But when I was worried about my future, the union stepped in to share resources, ensuring we had pathways to find new opportunities."

That sentiment of being "found" rather than "lost" is echoed by George, now with SATS Food.

"It was touching," he said. "The union made a genuine effort to help us find work. We didn’t feel abandoned."

This proactive support wasn't a last-minute reaction to the closure, but a culmination of years of relationship-building.

Aaron, who is currently exploring new career opportunities, remembered the union’s daily presence long before the retrenchment.

"They were always there—from vouchers and annual gifts to ensuring our salary adjustments were fair. They treated everyone, local or foreign, with the same dignity and respect. It made all the difference," he said.

Closure with dignity

Even for those transitioning into retirement, the support provided a sense of peace.

Cindy (pictured above), now retired, speaks fondly of her tenure. 

"There hasn't been a negative experience," said the former union branch official.

"The union was consistently present, distributing gifts and vouchers, and the retrenchment benefits gave many of us a sense of closure. It was handled with care."

The "middleman" perspective: Building bridges

Perhaps one of the most unique insights came from Ruth (pictured below), a former HR Executive at the hotel. For Ruth, the union was a professional partner that taught her the true value of industrial relations.

"When I was new to the role, the IRO [Industrial Relations Officer] was incredibly patient," Ruth explained.

"Negotiations for our Collective Agreements weren't battles; they were 'give and take.' We learned to see each other's perspectives."

Ruth noted that in HR, she often sat in the middle - the bridge between management and staff. She discovered that sometimes, when management spoke, the message wasn't fully heard. When the union spoke, however, it acted as a vital translator, clarifying expectations and offering reassurance in a "language" the workers understood.

"There were times when the union’s involvement wasn't just about policy, but about humanity," Ruth recounted.

She shared a story of a long-term employee who was struggling with health issues.

When the time came for a difficult conversation about contract renewal, the union was there to mediate, provide evidence, and ensure the process was handled with both fairness and empathy.

"It reinforced for me that the bond between worker and union is essential," she said.

Investing in the future

The union’s impact on Ruth extended beyond her HR duties; it helped shape her personal growth. By utilising the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP), she upskilled with courses on the Workplace Fairness Act and the Personal Data Protection Act at NTUC Learning Hub. After attending a recent NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) career festival, she saw the sheer scale of the union's effort to keep workers relevant.

"I’ve grown a genuine interest in industrial relations," Ruth said.

"The experience taught me that when you have a strong union, you don’t just have better workplace rights - you have better, more confident people."

A foundation of friendship

Another meaningful story is from Kaval (pictured below), whose years at Hotel Miramar were defined by much more than just professional duties. Through her over 30 years of union membership, she discovered a vibrant community, transforming her workplace into a space where she found many lifelong friends. 

This bond of solidarity was matched by the practical security the union provided; by maintaining a steady climate of industrial peace, the FDAWU ensured that essential benefits like annual increment payouts were guaranteed and handled with transparency. 

For Kaval, the experience was rounded out by the thoughtful annual gifts from the union – small but significant gestures that made her feel truly appreciated within the Miramar family.

A legacy of support

The story of the Hotel Miramar members is a testament to the fact that a union’s value is measured not just in clauses signed, but in the peace of mind it offers to the worker on the ground. As these individuals step into new roles and new phases of life, they do so with the confidence that they were cared for, heard, and supported every step of the way.