The union representing hotel workers in Los Angeles has taken action, filing an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. The charge comes as workers and organizers continue to face violence during protests and their fight for new contracts.
Striking for Higher Wages and Better Benefits
Thousands of hospitality workers have been on strike in the area since early July. Their union contracts expired at dozens of hotels, and the workers are now demanding higher wages and improved benefits.
Violent Incidents Escalate
In a recent social media post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Unite Here Local 11 shared footage of security guards at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows tackling picketers in Santa Monica, California. This incident, along with another at Hotel Maya in Long Beach, prompted the union to take action.
At Hotel Maya, a guest allegedly assaulted a worker by punching them in the head while hotel personnel tried to relocate striking workers using a chain link fence.
Chef’s Outburst Adds to Tensions
The union also raised concerns about the behavior of chef John Tesar at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa’s Knife Modern Steak Restaurant in Dana Point, California. Tesar reportedly broke a striking worker’s drum, directed offensive language at the workers, and labeled them as lazy.
These incidents highlight the ongoing struggles faced by hotel workers in their battle for fair treatment. The union is committed to seeking justice and ensuring the safety and well-being of its members.
Violations of Labor Relations Act in Hospitality Industry
Unite Here Local 11, a prominent union representing various workers in the hospitality industry, has recently accused a group of hotels of violating Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act. These violations allegedly involve the employers’ participation in or acceptance of violence against employees as a response to their protected collective activities.
The filing made by Unite Here Local 11 specifically points to a coordinated bargaining group, as well as the owners and operators of three hotels. However, despite these serious allegations, the owners and operators of the hotels have not yet provided any comment on the matter.
On the other hand, the renowned chef Tesar, who is affiliated with one of these hotels, has also refrained from commenting on the accusations made against him.
While the involved parties are currently keeping silent, Pete Hillan, a spokesperson for the California Hotel & Lodging Association, has expressed concern regarding union representatives’ disruptive behavior. According to Hillan, the representatives have been sounding sirens and alarms at odd hours, disturbing the peace of the surrounding area and posing a safety risk. Additionally, he mentioned an incident at the Fairmont where union representatives kicked over barricades meant to maintain safety and order. In response to these disturbances, the hotels have sought police intervention in order to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
Although one such incident was caught on video and reported to the Santa Monica Police Department, there has been no formal response from them at this time.
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