WASHINGTON, D.C.
Alleging abuse of workers, a big contingent of worker rights
organizations—as well as some entitities that frequently travel and are
seeking to convey support for hotel employees—are about to stage a
boycott of Hyatt properties nationwide.
The NFL Players Association, the AFL-CIO, workers, students and renowned
musicians will combine forces with Unite Here—the large hotel employee
union and a frequent opponent to Hyatt in recent contract battles—which
is leading the boycott that officially starts on July 23.
In particular, the union is singling out 20 U.S cities—including Los
Angeles, Honolulu, San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore,Indianapolis,
Seattle and Boston—for the week-long protest, though it says it will
hold demonstrations at Hyatt properties across the nation.
In a statement to MeetingsFocus.com, Hyatt officials said “Hyatt
provides industry-leading wage and benefits packages, maintains an
outstanding workplace safety record, and is a recognized leader in
promoting a diverse workforce. The UniteHere campaign is not about
creating a better workplace at our hotels but is an attempt to boost
union membership by organizing associates at non-union Hyatt hotels.
UniteHere leaders’ new call for a global boycott of Hyatt will have a
direct and negative impact on our associates, who depend on business at
our hotels for their livelihoods.”
