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!
Workers from UNITE HERE Local 11 and IATSE Local B-192 are currently in contract negotiations with NBCUniversal. As part of those negotiations, UNITE HERE Local 11 and IATSE Local 192 have proposed contract language that would ensure that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is not voluntarily allowed onto the Universal hill and backlot, and that NBCUniversal publicly condemns the use of violence, militarized tactics, or intimidation by ICE or other federal agencies against individuals, workers, or families.
NBCUniversal has not agreed to these proposed protections.
“Workers have seen what ICE agents have done in L.A. over the last year,” Victoria Stahl, a communication organizer with UNITE HERE Local 11, told KTLA. “This demand is to ensure workers are safe, especially with the World Cup coming soon and visitors arriving from around the world. Universal is a major attraction, and workers want protections for themselves and the thousands of guests who visit.”
We shared some holiday joy with Universal Studios workers who received toys that were provided by Labor Community Services Los Angeles.