District Hotel Workers Demand "Shot At American Dream"

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Charging that District hotels are attempting to force a “recessionary” contract on employees, more than 400 workers and community allies rallied in Farragut Square chanting “The people united will never be defeated” during rush-hour Wednesday night. “I’m demonstrating tonight to support my brothers and sisters in DC hotels and to send a clear message to management that we won’t back down until we have a fair contract,” Gada Muhammed – a 5-year cocktail waiter at the Marriott Wardman Park – told Union City. “Our union is our shot at the American Dream. The benefits and healthy working conditions that we fight for allow us to send our children to school, buy a house and contribute back into our community. Instead, management is proposing that we accept poor wages and is trying to outsource our jobs.” UNITE HERE Local 25 representatives told Union City that over 4,500 hotel workers have been bargaining with the Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, Hyatt and other members of the Hotel Association of Washington since early August, but are yet to reach a new agreement. “Despite returning to their pre-recession profitability and occupancy levels, hotel management is insisting that workers accept a recessionary contract,” said Local 25’s Bradley Van Waus. “Their proposals offer no additional contributions to employees’ pension and want us to accept a wage increase averaging less than one percent over the first year.” Shouting, “We are the union!” the workers marched to the steps of the St. Regis, the Capital Hilton and the Mayflower immediately following the rally, drawing plenty of attention from bustling commuters. “This is just the beginning of our fight,” Local 25’s Executive Secretary-Treasurer John Boardman told the crowd. “In just a few short months – when the cherry blossoms start to bloom and the tourists begin to return – we’re going to take the wood to ‘em if we don’t get a good deal.” – report/photos by Adam Wright