Workers at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn held a two-day strike on February 20 and 21, prompting the hotel to close its restaurant, Aquarius. Cooks, Waiters, Bartenders, Bell Persons, Front Desk Clerks, Room Cleaners, Maintenance Workers, and all other employees refused to work, and picket lines were held in front of the hotel all day for both days of the strike. Workers approved the action after months of failed contract negotiations with owners, who have been expecting them to accept a three-year wage freeze.

Workers carried signs in front of the hotel with messages such as "Dream in Workers Cannot Afford 3 Years Wage Freeze," "Workers Love Their Jobs and Their Community. A Fair Wage Will Help to Live Here," and "Dream Inn Workers Ask for A Fair Contract Now!" One of the many march chants workers called out in unison today as they walked the picket line was, "Dream Inn, Rich and Rude, We Don't Like Your Attitude!"

Workers at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn are members of Unite Here! Local 483, the labor union that has represented hotel, restaurant, and other service workers in the Monterey Bay since 1937. The union has said that because business is "booming" at the hotel, with summer-time reservations now being made for some rooms costing over $500 and $600, the Dream Inn should be "ashamed" of their demand.

Read More with Photos | Unite Here! Local 483

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