Why the Battle Between Hotel Workers and Hyatt is Important

[Omaha Steve]

http://talkingunion.wordpress.com/2012/09/05/hyatt_getman/

by Julius G. Getman

For over three years UNITE HERE, the union that represents hotel workers, and Hyatt Corp. have been engaged in a fierce escalating struggle. The union has recently called for a boycott of Hyatt.

The confrontation between Hyatt and UNITE HERE is part of the world wide struggle for basic human rights, particularly for immigrant workers. It is important that liberals, progressives, workers, and those who believe in economic fairness support the boycott and let Hyatt know of it.

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Immigrant workers are the backbone of the hotel industry and when they do not have the backing of a union they are regularly and shamefully exploited. Hyatt, where the majority of workers are not unionized, is one of the most flagrant exploiters. Where its workers are not unionized the pay scale is low and the work load, particularly on room attendants is a constant danger to their health, both physical and emotional.

San Antonio, where Hyatt has two hotels on the famed Riverwalk, is an example. Its housekeepers are saddled with enormous work loads of up to 30 rooms per day roughly double the work load of unionized hotel workers in Las Vegas. Many of its older workers suffer from chronic back arm and neck injuries. Given the workload this is not surprising.

FULL story at link.