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2023 STRIKE

12NEWS: ‘Suffocating’: Workers at ASU Panda Express strike, citing unsafe heat conditions after worker hospitalized, union says

Workers at a Downtown Phoenix ASU Panda Express have walked off, citing unsafe heat conditions and urging a state investigation, according to a union complaint.

“It is suffocating”, said Vanessa Martinez, one of the Aramark workers at ASU the complaint was filed on behalf of. “I dread going into work most days. I have asthma flare-ups, and they get worse while I’m cooking. I’ve broken out in hives, and I was hospitalized for dehydration; the heat is just unbearable.”

Workers at the Universal Hilton Win their First Union Contract!

On March 19, at 4:38 AM the workers of the Universal Hilton settled their first union contract. Pending ratification, workers won—amongst many other benefits—substancial raises, healthcare, pension, and workload protection. Workers will get a $4 raise in the first year, and $10 over the 4-year contract. The contract will cover about 250 workers. Congratulations to all the workers whose life is about to get much better!

CONGRATULATIONS EMBASSY SUITES IRVINE WORKERS

ZÓCALO: How We Won a Historic Contract for Hotel Workers

WINNING THE 2023–2024 HOTEL STRIKE

Since July 1, 2023, workers in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Arizona have gone on strike more than 175 times, making this the nation’s largest hotel worker strike wave in modern history. Hotel-worker wages, like those for all Angelenos, have not kept up with soaring housing costs. The striking workers have demanded that the hotel industry, which is enjoying record post-pandemic profits, cough up major wage increases so that workers can live near where they work.

PRESS RELEASE: UNITE HERE Local 11 Files Cal/OSHA Complaint Alleging Rat, Cockroach and Maggot Sightings at The Westin Long Beach

Hotel workers protest The Westin Long Beach to demand a fair contract, safe working conditions

Long Beach–Hotel workers at the Westin Long Beach concerned for their health and safety have submitted a complaint to Cal/OSHA.

Workers plan to protest outside the Westin Long Beach on Saturday July 20, 2024 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Supporters will wear rat costumes and related props to draw attention to workers’ allegations that they have observed what appeared to be rats in the food storage room of the Hotel’s kitchen and roaches in the Hotel’s banquet kitchen. Workers documented alleged rodent sightings as recently as mid-June of 2024. In July 2023, a worker also documented an alleged sighting of what appeared to be maggots on unwashed dishes in the Hotel’s banquet kitchen.

The Westin Long Beach has been embroiled in a fierce labor dispute with its employees since the union contract expired on June 30, 2024. Westin employees join workers across the Los Angeles area who have fought for and won better wages and working conditions in what has become the largest hotel worker strike in modern history. The workers’ primary contract goals include wage increases to keep pace with the soaring cost of housing in Long Beach, quality and affordable health insurance, a pension to retire with dignity, and humane workloads.

“As hotel workers we strive to provide the best customer service to our guests, and we deserve a safe and healthy working environment. We urge the hotel to take immediate action to ensure that our workplace is safe. They need to listen to us as we fight for what we deserve,” said Wendy Bonilla, one of the complainants and a worker at the Westin Long Beach.

FOUR MORE WINS!

LOCAL 11 STRIKE WINS!