1 Jul, 2015
Hospitality workers union flags labour dispute at LA DoubleTree by Hilton, being sold by UBS
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)– June 30, 2015: The following media release was issued by UNITE HERE:
The DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown Los Angeles is a hotel with an ongoing labor dispute. The DoubleTree by Hilton is currently up for sale by owner United Bank of Switzerland (UBS).
For more information on the dispute visit: dontbuythedoubletree.org
The hotel has been involved in an ongoing labor dispute since the beginning of the year. In January 2015, eleven workers filed complaints with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office alleging that they had missed breaks required by law. On January 22, 2015, workers went on an all-day strike to protest these allegations. The complaints remain unresolved to date.
Since then workers have engaged in regular picketing and other protected activity while demanding that management agree to remain neutral in their choice whether to unionize. But management has refused to make that commitment, although they may be required to in the near future.
The DoubleTree is managed by RIM Hospitality, which employs the DoubleTree workers. Another company, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, recently acquired RIM’s management platform and announced it would operate as its RIM Hospitality Division.
Interstate is party to a union contract with UNITE HERE Local 11 which requires any property in downtown Los Angeles managed by Interstate to take a neutral position on unionization, allow UNITE HERE Local 11 access to the premises and to a list of employees names and addresses, and recognize UNITE HERE Local 11 based on a card check method rather than an NLRB election.
Local 11 believes the DoubleTree Downtown Los Angeles is now managed by a division of Interstate and is therefore subject to this agreement, though Interstate disputes this.
On June 25, UNITE HERE Local 11 sent a letter to Interstate invoking its right to arbitration to settle any disagreements with Interstate arising under the contract. UNITE HERE Local 11 awaits a response from Interstate.
Workers are committed to achieving justice for themselves and their families, even if it takes a long time. There is no end in sight to this dispute, and it won’t go away simply because the hotel may change hands. Unless the issues giving rise to the dispute are resolved soon, there’s a good chance that new ownership will acquire a property still subject to an ongoing labor dispute.
About UNITE HERE
UNITE HERE Local 11, the union of hospitality employees throughout North America, represents more than 20,000 workers employed in hotels, restaurants, airports, sports arenas, and convention centers throughout Southern California.
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