Pledge to Support the Downtown Tacoma Hotel Worker Bill of Rights

/in , /by

The hotel industry is part of our local community fabric. We stimulate the local economy by welcoming guests to our region, making sure they have a memorable stay and come back again, and by creating high quality jobs needed to build a thriving community.

We are committed to investing in the Tacoma Community by providing high quality jobs with excellent benefits to our employees. We pledge to abide by the following minimum standards to ensure hotel workers in Tacoma can provide for their families, enjoy a safe work environment, and are able to invest their hard earned income back into their local community.

  • If our employees work more than 80 hours per month, they will have guaranteed access to a high quality, full -family medical insurance plan at a cost to the employee of no more than $50 per month.
  • We commit to providing our employees with annual wage increases so they can better cope with the increasing cost of living in Tacoma.
  • We understand that many hotels make extra profits at the expense of the health and safety of housekeepers. We will not do the same. At our hotel, no hotel room attendant will be required to clean more than 15 rooms per 8-hour shift.
  • All our employees have access to a dispute resolution process in order to resolve workplace issues and disagreements with their employer and this process will involve binding third party arbitration at no cost to the employee if either party insists on that remedy.

Download the PDF.

Sign the online petition!

Week of Action for Workers Rights!

/in , /by

Mark your calenders and reserve your seat to join us in solidarity with working people in Washington, Wisconsin and dozens of other states where well-funded, right-wing corporate politicians are trying to take away workers’ rights. These rallies and actions are part of a week of Solidarity from April 2nd through April 8th! CLICK HERE to download a leaflet containing information on all the events, and CLICK HERE for more information from our friends at the Washington State Labor Council.

Members Join Solidarity Rally in Olympia

/in /by

On Saturday February 26th, along with other rallies across the country,  UNITEHERE! 8 members joined in support of Wisconsin workers at the State Capitol in Olympia.

In days, weeks, and months ahead, UNITE HERE will stand in solidarity with our public sector brothers and sisters across the country. Stay tuned for more updates and rallies. Read more…

Red Lion Seattle Airport Workers Overwhelmingly Approve New Contract

/in /by

On February 24th, Red Lion workers voted “yes” on their new contract

Red Lion workers win! After a long campaign for respect and job security, Red Lion Seattle Airport workers have won a new, improved union contract. Worker power and community support led to strong no-subcontracting protections for restaurant and hotel workers.

The agreement was reached after workers had taken job actions and community supporters had organized and participated in rallies and even a delegation to Red Lion’s corporate headquarters in Spokane.

The agreement provides for good raises, increased pension contributions, paid sick days, and the employer will pick up all increases in health insurance costs. Hotel housekeepers also won safer workloads. They will now clean 15 instead of 16 rooms per shift.

The hotel is no longer under boycott. Please patronize the Red Lion Seattle Airport.

TAKE ACTION – Support HB 1832 – Tell Your Legislators

/in /by

Click Here! to send a message to State Representatives in Support of HB 1832. The bill would guarantee workforce stability for airport workers and the Port of Seattle

http://afl.salsalabs.com/o/5872/c/951/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1539

Airport Workers Move One Step Closer to Job Security

/in , /by

February 16, 2011

Airport workers came out in full force last Friday to support House Bill 1832 in front of the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development in the Washington State House of Representatives. Four days later, the Committee voted to move the bill forward for possible consideration by the entire House of Representatives.

House Bill 1832 is a win-win solution for workers, business, travelers, and the Port of Seattle. Workers keep their jobs, and the Port of Seattle retains highly experienced and dedicated workers. The Port of Seattle also benefits from the bill because they are guaranteed smooth transitions between service contracts and a reduced risk of labor disputes.

Geomar Nicolo, a bartender for over 15 years, spoke on behalf of UNITE HERE! Local 8 members in front of the Committee.

“My family has a better life because of my job as a bartender at SeaTac airport,” testified Geomar. “I am able to support my wife and my three kids because I know I can count on my employment at SeaTac airport.”

The bill would affect up to 1,500 workers at SeaTac Airport, many of whom could lose their jobs if the Port of Seattle contracts with new management companies to take over existing operations. The bill requires that any new company contracting with the Port of Seattle must retain the existing workforce, some of whom have worked at SeaTac Airport for decades.

The recent Committee vote is just the first push in a campaign to provide a stable business climate and job security for workers at SeaTac Airport. The next major step for HB 1832 would be a full vote of the State House of Representatives, after which the legislation would go on to the State Senate.

Check back for more information as we continue our campaign. If you are an airport worker and would like to get involved, contact Cindy Richardson at 206-470-2982.