Hotel Workers Action in Berkeley: Photo and Story

Fifty were arrested at a demonstration Thursday August 1 at an intersection near the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley. The demo was organized by the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Local 2850. The union is currently organizing a boycott of the Claremont, which has had some success since it was called May 1. Local 2850 represents around 160 workers at the hotel who are seeking a new contract. In addition, 140 workers at the Claremont Spa who are without representation are trying to get unionized

Norine Madrid, who does facials at the Claremont Spa, said as the demo began: “We are here today to fight for better wages and health care.” She said she was forced to work more hours than were healthy in order to get benefits, and still must pay $300 monthly for health care. Lack of representation, she said, “is a crisis for the entire hospitality industry.”

Local 2850 issued a press release stating they have filed charges against the Claremont with the National Labor Relations Board for the following practices: “Making threats of firing, conducting illegal surveillance, interrogating employees, forcing employees to attend anti-union meetings, and illegally suspending employees for union activity.” The Claremont has engaged four union-busting firms to fight the workers.

The union is also negotiating with the Oakland Hilton, the Oakland Marriott, and Holiday Inns in Oakland and Emeryville. But Stephanie Ruby, spokesperson for Local 2850 said “The Claremont is the toughest fight, it’s going to be a long-term fight.”