Unite Here Workers Demand Fair Contracts

Dozens of unionized workers at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Hartford staged a show of force on May 29, marching into their employer’s office and declaring that the vast majority of the hotel’s workforce is prepared to strike if a favorable contract is not reached

Despite running hotels on publicly-owned land and receiving significant support from taxpayer-funded initiatives, the Waterford Group, which owns the Hartford Doubletree, is refusing to agree to a contract that provides similar raises as other union hotels and union food service entities across the state. The workers are demanding a fair contract.

After months of stalled contract negotiations, the members of Unite Here sent a delegation with elected allies to hotel management delivering photos of the workers who have committed to go on strike if they have to, totaling over 80% of the workforce.

In New Haven the week before, during graduation ceremonies at Yale University, clerical and technical workers and service and maintenance workers, members of Unite Here Locals 34 and 35, sent the same message.

Greeting family members of the graduates with postcards saying “Congratulations” on one side, and “We Can't Keep Up,” on the other side, they let the parents and graduates know that Yale University with its $44 billion endowment, is disregarding the workers who enable students to learn and live.

“Yale's endowment gains millions every day while we fight to keep up. We're united to win a great contract! “ says the union.

Many parents, family members and graduates offered supportive comments for the work that the union membes do to enable their education.

The University has been stalling although the contracts expire in January. Meanwhile grievances about layoffs and rising health costs are mounting.

Also in New Haven, all Unite Here CT locals are joining with dozens of other labor, community and immigrant organizations for a national day of action, “Health is Primary! Cuts Kill!” A vigil at Amistad Park, 104 Washington Ave on Friday June 5 at 6 pm will raise awareness of federal health care cuts and call on federal, state and local leaders to protect and expand affordable, accessible health care.