BREAKING: HMS Host workers at Sky Harbor Announce Their Return to Work After 10-day Strike

Airport food workers will return to their jobs—and the negotiating table

PHOENIX, AZ –  On day ten of an indefinite strike, HMS Host workers at Sky Harbor airport announced their intention to return to work tomorrow, December 2, and to return to the negotiating table. 

Workers initiated their strike to highlight their demand for a new, comprehensive contract with fair raises, affordable health insurance, a company-paid retirement contribution, protections for workers’ tips, and strong contract language for equal opportunity and protection from discrimination. Workers with UNITE HERE Local 11 have been in negotiations with HMS Host since 2017. 

“Our intention with our strike was to bring more attention to the company’s stinginess after four years of negotiations, and to do it at a time when the company would be forced to recognize the value of our labor most—Thanksgiving,” said Victoria Stahl, barista in Terminal 4. “We did that and now we are ready to go back to the negotiating table.”

“It’s disgusting that I have to go to Mexico for medical care because the health insurance through the company doesn’t cover my treatment,” said Lucia Salinas, cook at Cowboy Ciao. “HMS Host saved more than $4 million on their rent during the pandemic thanks to rent relief from the City of Phoenix, but my family doesn’t get anything like that. Because we went on strike, now everyone can see what kind of company HMS Host is.” 

Over the course of the strike, the union filed numerous unfair labor practice charges against their employer for allegedly violating the workers’ rights to organize and strike. The charges, filed with the federal National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), allege that the company has interfered with workers’ federal labor rights by, among other conduct, questioning workers concerning whether they would be supporting the union and going on strike,  limiting speech in the workplace, and surveilling workers’ protected activity. 

“We want to thank the community for all of the support they showed us while we’ve been on strike,” said Beatriz Topete, organizing director with UNITE HERE Local 11 “The tweets from travelers, the thumbs up from other airport workers, the daily deliveries of food and drinks all kept us going. The generosity of our labor partners, especially the UFCW Local 99 and the Arizona AFL-CIO, made this Thanksgiving one we will remember for the rest of our lives. Solidarity means everything.”

HMS Host workers make up the largest group of food concessions workers at the Phoenix airport. HMS Host is the single largest concessionaire at Sky Harbor Airport, employing hundreds of workers in all Starbucks coffee shops at the airport and popular restaurants such as Barrio Cafe, Chelsea’s Kitchen, and SanTan Brewery. 

Along with issues like affordable healthcare and retiring with dignity, strikers plan to return to negotiations with a focus on ensuring equality at work on the basis of race, gender, age, and sexual orientation. On November 18, the union formally asked the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to investigate the company’s pay and promotion practices. In a complaint filed with the EEOC, the union alleged that during 2019 Black/African American workers were paid on average only 67% of the total earnings of white workers, taking home on average $9,539.49 less per year than white workers. Several individual HMS Host workers at Sky Harbor have also filed pending sex and age discrimination complaints with the EEOC. 

Click here to learn more about the strike and hear worker testimonials. 

 

JOB OPENING: Legal Assistant with UNITE HERE Local 11

UNITE HERE Local 11 is a progressive, movement-based labor union working to improve labor standards in the hospitality sector.  Based in Los Angeles, we represent over 35,000 workers employed in hotels, restaurants, airports, sports arenas, and convention centers throughout Southern California and Arizona.  Reflecting the needs of our membership, we are at the forefront of efforts to defend the rights of immigrants, people of color, and women in the workplace and in the political sphere

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to serve as a legal assistant to our growing legal team and contracts department. The program includes training and hands-on experience in worker interviewing, contract enforcement, litigation, and bargaining. As a legal assistant for Local 11, you will be part of a larger effort to use legal strategies to build power for workers across the Union’s jurisdiction.

UNITE HERE Local 11 has four offices in California (Los Angeles, Garden Grove, Inglewood, and Long Beach) and one in Phoenix, Arizona. The main office is located at 464 S Lucas Ave, Suite 201, Los Angeles, CA 90017. This position works primarily from the main office in Los Angeles.

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Job Responsibilities
include but are not limited to the following:

  • Support Local 11 attorneys and negotiators in bargaining through attending contract negotiations, drafting contract proposals, and finalizing documents such as contracts and memoranda of understanding;
  • Assist organizers, Local 11 attorneys, and other staff in grievance handling and contract enforcement;
  • Support Local 11 attorneys and organizers in preparing for arbitrations;
  • Prepare administrative complaints on behalf of members and assist with investigation and fact-finding, as needed;
  • Correspond with company representatives concerning requests for information and other matters;
  • Continue to develop and maintain filing system;
  • Translate written text from English to Spanish and vice versa;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements/Qualifications
The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required for the position:

  • Knowledge of office management systems and procedures
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, Mac & PC
  • Working knowledge of office equipment e.g., printers and copiers
  • Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and high capacity for attention to detail
  • Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work
  • Ability to work independently within the context of a plan
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills; must work well with others
  • Bilingual English/Spanish
  • A strong commitment to building power with working people; advocacy and campaign experience within the labor movement are preferred but not required
  • Paralegal experience is preferred but not required

How To Apply:
Please email a résumé, references, and cover letter with “Legal Assistant Application” in the email subject line to dosborn@unitehere11.org. Please include your available start date in the cover letter.

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNTING CLERK – PAYABLES/RECEIVABLES

UNITE HERE Local 11 represents approximately 32,000 workers in the hospitality and multi-service industries throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and Phoenix AZ. We are housekeepers, bell men, food servers, cooks, dishwashers, bartenders and many other employees in the tourism and food service industries. Local 11 has a proud history of community involvement and a strong commitment to improving working conditions, wages, and benefits for all working men and women.

Local 11 is presently seeking an Accounting Clerk – Payables/Receivables. This position reports to the Senior Accountant.

ACCOUNTING CLERK -PAYABLES/RECEIVABLES:

Summary:  Accounting Clerk – Payables/Receivables is responsible for basic record keeping within standard accounting protocol and policies of the organization. They are primarily responsible for the day-to-day processing of accounts payable and receivable, as well as ensuring compliance with UNITE HERE’s shared service agreements with other organizations.

Skills Required:

  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to multitask.
  • Professional phone manners and general customer service skills.
  • Punctuality.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Work with any or all of the following: cash and check receipts, cash and check disbursements, cash journals, accounts receivables and accounts payable, and payroll activities, making sure that all payroll records are accurate and up to date.
  • Assume the responsibility of receiving and sorting incoming payments with attention to credibility and validity of debit accounts.
  • Manage the status of accounts and balances and identify inconsistencies.
  • Issue and post bills, receipts and invoices.
  • Update accounts receivable and general bookkeeping databases with new accounts or other necessary data.
  • Communicate with clients about incoming and outgoing payments, deadlines, and accounts and provide troubleshooting support as necessary. .
  • Write thorough reports on billing activity with clear and reliable data.
  • Create reports and balance sheets that document overall receipts.
  • Update client accounts based on payment or contact information.
  • Answer employee questions and requests regarding rules and regulations.
  • Provides general organization support by entering, formatting, and printing information; organizing work; answering the telephone; relaying messages; maintaining equipment and supplies.
  • Maintains quality service by following organization standards.
  • Performs related tasks and projects as assigned.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • College degree or formal or on the job training/experience in bookkeeping practices. May include business school, vocational school or college courses.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the labor movement or other progressive movements.
  • Ability to learn and observe all policies and procedures.
  • Excellent computer skills are required in all Microsoft applications, especially Excel and/or other financial programs, such as QuickBooks, ADP, MIP, etc.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Strong communications skills.
  • Proficiency in both English and Spanish, written and oral.

The office environment is fast paced and unpredictable. The candidate must be able to work well under pressure, individually, and as a team player.

Pay and benefits for this role are set by the Local 11 Staff Union contract. Starting pay is set at $19.52 an hour. We offer an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and pension.

To apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to: Danit Osborn, dosborn@unitehere11.org

 

Attention Roll Call Members! // ¡Atención Miembros de Roll Call!

Español abajo – haga clíc aquí

HTA is partnering with UNITE HERE Local 11 to offer support with the new, required State Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training and Certification for safe alcohol services.

Any incumbent alcohol server who does not take the online course and pass the RBS exam will be prohibited by the State from serving alcohol.

NOTE: Any previous certifications that are not through RBS will be void after August 31st. If you have a current TiPS or ServSafe Alcohol or other Certification, none of these will be valid after August 31st.

HTA staff will be available to assist Roll Call members with access to computers, troubleshooting any computer issues, and registering on the RBS/ABC website. HTA staff will not be offering assistance with passing the test or taking it for anyone.

If you need assistance, you can make an appointment to receive help at one of the trainings below.

El HTA está colaborando con el Local 11 de UNITE HERE para ofrecer apoyo a los miembros de Roll Call con la nueva Capacitación y Certificación del Servicio de Bebidas Responsables (RBS, por sus siglas en inglés) requerida por el Estado para servicios seguros de alcohol.

El Estado de CA prohibirá que cualquier persona que trabaja sirviendo alcohol que no tome el curso en línea y apruebe el examen RBS sirva alcohol.

NOTA: Cualquier certificación anterior que no haya sido a través de RBS quedará anulada después del 31 de agosto. Si usted tiene la certificación actual de servicio de alcohol TiPS o ServSafe u otra Certificación, ninguna de estas será válida después del 31 de agosto del 2022.

El personal de la HTA estará disponible para ayudar a los miembros de Roll Call con el acceso a las computadoras, la resolución de problemas informáticos y el registro en el sitio web de RBS/ABC. El personal de la HTA no ofrecerá asistencia para aprobar o tomar el examen en nombre de nadie.

Si necesita ayuda, debe programar una cita para recibir ayuda en uno de los siguientes horarios.

Chateau Marmont and UNITE HERE Local 11

Labor for Bass: LA’s Largest Latino Labor Unions UNITE HERE Local 11 and SEIU-USWW Announce Endorsement of Karen Bass for Mayor

Labor for Bass: LA’s Largest Latino Labor Unions UNITE HERE Local 11 and SEIU-USWW Announce Endorsement of Karen Bass for Mayor

Los Angeles: Today, dozens of hospitality and service workers from UNITE HERE Local 11 and SEIU-USWW, two of Los Angeles’s largest private sector unions representing tens of thousands of latino workers, announced they are endorsing Karen Bass for Mayor of Los Angeles.

Holding the tools of the jobs they do every day to keep Los Angeles running, hotel housekeepers, airport food service workers, cooks, dishwashers and janitorial staff came together at Placita Olvera, a historic gathering place for working class latinos proudly dawning their union colors and chanting “Si se puede!” as they announced their endorsement.

Housekeepers and Janitors have been a political force for decades in California promising hundreds of volunteers to contact voters and “Get out the Vote.”  In 2020, Unite Here Local 11 and SEIU- USWW led the effort to turn out the Latino vote in Arizona which was critical in flipping the state for Biden. They then went on to Georgia to play a key role in the runoff election that put Senator Warnock in office and won the Democrats a majority in the Senate.

“As a leader in my union, I have talked to hundreds of latino voters across Los Angeles and learned they care about the same issues I do. We are worried about things like housing, having to deal with rising rents, and homes being converted to short term rentals.” said Liliana Hernandez, member of UNITE HERE Local 11 and housekeeper of 16 years in Los Angeles. “ I know that Karen Bass is the kind of leader latino working people like me need at City Hall.”

“For decades, I have worked as a server at LAX, serving the millions of travelers that come to our wonderful city every year. I know how big of a role the city and the Mayor can play in making sure that LAX is a thriving place for thousands of latino workers and their families.” said Marlene Mendoza, Vice President of UNITE HERE Local 11. “I was a part of a meeting with Karen Bass, and in talking to her I believe she will support working people from LAX and ensure we take part in our city’s economic recovery from the pandemic.”

“From LAX, to Sofi Stadium, Beverly Hills to Downtown Los Angeles, our members make the beds, serve the food, pour the drinks, and wash the dishes for the millions of tourists that visit Los Angeles  every year.” said Kurt Petersen, Co-President UNITE HERE Local 11. “When it comes to elections our members are  proud to be the leading boots on the ground in ensuring our democracy works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”

Alejandra Valles Treasurer of  SEIU-USWW  mentioned “SEIU USWW was founded in the streets of Los Angeles, when striking janitors demanded justice. We have lead the charge to end the heinous practice of wage theft and the corrosive nature of sexual assault and harrasment in the workplace. We have led the way to improve conditions for Black workers in the security industry, and demanded an end to environmental racism at LAX. The next mayor of Los Angeles must represent the diversity that makes our city so special.

The power of our members and our ability to mobilize Black and Brown workers has demonstrated, time and time again, that we can get the right candidates elected into office.

“Participating as a political volunteer for 10 years gave me the opportunity to find my own voice and feel the collective power of Latino voters standing up on critical issues like healthcare,  wages, sexual violence in the work place, immigration and housing,,”  said Martha Mejia USWW Janitor.

“We fought for months to ensure community and worker voices were heard when it came to the expansion of LAX and we won, but more needs to be done, commented Jovan Houston Airport service worker , “I know Karen Bass will ensure the airport holds to their promises so that our communities can thrive and be healthy.”

Both unions are representative of the growing voting strength of immigrant Angelinos who are building power at the ballot box to fight for issues like affordable housing, better jobs, healthcare, education and the environment. These proud union members have collectively mobilized hundreds of thousands of voters to go out and vote and elect leaders that will fight alongside them.

Karen Bass is the only candidate who will put the needs and interests of working families ahead of wealthy corporations and LA’s elite. She has the experience and track record to advocate for Los Angeles essential workers, a majority of whom are latino and people of color, at City Hall.

###

UNITE HERE Local 11 is a labor union representing over 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona who work in hotels, restaurants, universities, convention centers, and airports.

SEIU United Service Workers West represents more than 45,000 janitors, security officers, airport service workers, and other property service workers across California.

VIRGINIA EREDIA

Virginia Eredia, who was laid off by the Terranea after working nearly six years as a turndown attendant.  Eredia said: “After losing my job, I lost my house, my car, and had to go into a lot of debt. This money will help ease some of that and will help me buy a car to get to work. I would have never received this had I not chosen to stand up for my rights. I hope other hotel workers see this and know what is possible.”

CA State Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower

Today CA Labor CommissionerLilia Garcia-Brower began distributing more than $1.5 million to 57 workers laid off at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes during the COVID-19 pandemic who were not offered job positions promptly as required by the Right to Recall Law.

Notification re Implementation of new Disneyland Resort Attendance Policy

Dear Disney UNITE HERE Local 11 members,

In May 2022, Disney proposed a new Attendance policy and then met with a Union committee. In response to Union proposals, the company agreed to a number of improvements:

  1. Extra time: Disney will not implement the new system until October 2nd.
  2. Training and Communication: Disney will begin rolling out information on the policy to all cast on July 1
  3. Disney agreed to add more hours – 25 missed unexcused hours for a discipline – and respect the same hours for FT and CR
  4. Disney also upped hours to 17 and tardies to 3 for CT
  5. Disney agreed to add an additional disciplinary step for Cast Members with 5 years or more of service – this means FIVE steps to attendance termination for senior employees.

Disney has now issued their new, final Attendance policy; see attached.  Disney will be conducting trainings soon on this new policy; let the Union know if you have questions.

07.19.2022 – DLR Attendance Policy Final here

Notificación sobre la implementación de la nueva política de asistencia de Disneyland Resort

Estimados miembros de UNITE HERE Local 11 en Disney :

En mayo de 2022, Disney propuso una nueva política de asistencia y luego se reunió con un comité sindical. En respuesta a las propuestas de la Unión, la empresa acordó una serie de mejoras:

  1. Tiempo extra: Disney no implementará el nuevo sistema hasta el 2 de octubre.
  2. Capacitación y comunicación: Disney comenzará a brindar información sobre la política a todo el elenco el 1 de julio.
  3. Disney acordó agregar más horas (25 horas injustificadas perdidas por una disciplina) y respetar las mismas horas para FT y CR
  4. Disney también aumentó las horas a 17 y las tardanzas a 3 para CT
  5. Disney acordó agregar un paso disciplinario adicional para los Miembros del Elenco con 5 años o más de servicio, lo que significa CINCO pasos para la terminación de la asistencia para los empleados senior.

Disney ahora ha emitido su nueva política de asistencia final; ver adjunto. Disney realizará capacitaciones pronto sobre esta nueva política; hágale saber al Sindicato si tiene preguntas.