by wires and El Reportero’s staff
Hotel workers gather at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara.: (PHOTO BY KATY ROSE/LOCAL2)
What seems to be an ongoing, never-ending battle, Hyatt Regency Hotel workers continue rallying to denounce unfair labor practices by their employer.
During a recent rally in front of the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, approximately 200 workers marched and announced the launching of a boycott against the hotel.
“Hyatt doesn’t respect our rights,” said Leoncia Rodríguez, a housekeeper who has worked at the Hyatt Regency for seven years, read a Local 2 written statement.
“They won’t commit to letting us organize freely, without intimidation. In the meantime, we are overworked and we get hurt. This is why we are calling a boycott and letting customers know: Don’t eat, meet, or sleep at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara!”
The Hyatt Regency workers have organized for over two years to secure a “fair process in their attempt to form a union,” said the statement.
Among the efforts carried out by the worker, they have called for customers to honor the boycott at the property by refusing to book rooms, hold events, or spend any money at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara until a fair process is secured. “Hyatt workers just want a fair and democratic process. Hyatt has had plenty of time to decide to be fair, but they haven’t budged.” said Enrique Fernández, business manager of Local 19, in the statement.
“This boycott turns up the heat on Hyatt. The company can end the boycott today just by agreeing to let their employees organize freely through a card-check neutrality agreement.”
According to the statement, Hyatt Regency Santa Clara workers began orgorganizing in 2008 because they face excessive workloads, low wages, lack of respect, and a lack of quality, affordable health care.
For example, housekeepers are expected to clean at least 16 rooms in a single 8-hour shift, making up to 32 beds with 96 pillows and 128 sheets.
Many housekeepers surveyed at the Hyatt Santa Clara reported daily workplace pain or injury. Further, the average weekly wages of non-unionized hotel andmotel workers in Santa Clara County is a mere $538.00.
