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turism&travel : Hyatt Hotels targeted for civil disobedience

Thursday 22 July 2010

Over 100 workers and community members are prepared to take part in non-violent civil disobedience in San Francisco, as part of the coordinated day of action protesting Hyatt.
San Francisco's action is coordinated with 14 other cities across North America, in which nearly 1,000 workers are prepared to take part in non-violent civil disobedience actions with thousands of witnesses.

Hyatt faces protests in Chicago, Honolulu, San Francisco, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Rosemont, Boston, Vancouver, Toronto, Miami, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Santa Clara and San Diego.

As Hyatt benefits from the economic recovery, thousands protest the "unfair" treatment of Hyatt's workers. Cooks, bellman, dishwashers, and housekeepers, among others—and community supporters are expected to take part of the demonstration.

Nearly 1,000 will risk arrest in non-violent civil disobedience.

Hyatt states: "Hyatt has been participating in union contract negotiations in good faith for nearly a year in several markets across the country.

During this time, we have been honoring the contracts currently in place.

In contrast to the respect we are showing for the negotiation process, union leadership has chosen to stage demonstrations rather than come to the bargaining table to find solutions to issues important to our associates and our business. While we have come to expect a certain amount of union posturing during negotiations, this delay is unfortunate, and work actions can be destructive to the still very fragile economy.

Rather than working to secure contracts for their members, union leadership's strategy is to use these demonstrations to force Hyatt and other hotel chains to concede to union-organizing tactics for the sole purpose of increasing union membership – and increasing dues paid to the union – regardless of whether our associates want to be represented by a union.

When the union leadership does sit down with Hyatt at the negotiating table, they will know that we are guided by our respect and appreciation for our associates, who deserve competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and an excellent work environment. Understanding that we are still recovering from what has been the most difficult economic environment in decades, we are committed to protecting the excellent employment opportunities our properties provide while taking appropriate steps to ensure they remain competitive and successful in their markets."

Laura Van Skiver of the Hyatt Regency in Honolulu stated in an interview with eTurboNews. "Our hotel is aware and well prepared. We do not expect anything terrible to happen and as always welcome dialogue with the union."


Autor: eTurboNews