Articles from UNITE HERE Local 11

UNITE HERE Local 11 Alert for Jamaica Bay Inn Investors: Stop Pacifica Hotels’ Reckless Campaign Against Workers
UNITE HERE Local 11 sent a letter to Jamaica Bay Inn investors regarding the ongoing labor dispute at the Marina Del Rey property, which is operated by Pacifica Hotels.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · December 4, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11 Calls for California Attorney General and Franchise Tax Board to Investigate Ashford Hospitality Trust’s and Braemar Hotels and Resorts’ Lucrative Tax Breaks
UNITE HERE Local 11 Co-President Kurt Petersen wrote to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, California Franchise Tax Board Executive Officer Selvi Stanislaus and California Franchise Tax Board Chair and California Controller Malia Cohen on October 16, 2024 calling for the agencies to investigate whether Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) Ashford Hospitality Trust (“AHT”) and Braemar Hotels and Resorts (“BHR”) are violating IRS provisions that provide them with lucrative tax breaks on their corporate income.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · October 16, 2024
UNITE HERE LOCAL 11: Ahead of Days of Awe, Over 80 Jewish Leaders, Including Paul Koretz, Boycott Hotels in the Heart of Pico-Robertson
As the Jewish community prepares for holiest period of the Jewish calendar in the coming weeks, over eighty leaders in the Jewish community have signed a pledge calling for a boycott of the Remington Hospitality-operated Cameo Beverly Hills Hotel and Marriott Beverly Hills, two hotels located in the heart of Pico-Robertson, over labor issues. The signatories include prominent leaders like Paul Koretz, rabbis, Jewish communal leaders and community members; and congregations and organizations like Boyle Heights Chavurah, Congregation Or Hamidbar, the national Jewish Labor Committee, the Jewish Liberation Fund, Keeping It Sacred, and Nefesh LA.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · September 30, 2024
Christine Pelosi, Betty Yee, and 80 Other Political Leaders Join Hollywood Leaders to Boycott Cameo Beverly Hills as Hotel Workers Continue Labor Fights
Over 80 elected officials and political professionals including statewide officials like Betty Yee, Fiona Ma, Tony Thurmond, and Christine Pelosi joined the boycott of two Remington hotels, Cameo Beverly Hills and Beverly Hills Marriott.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · September 12, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11 Alert for Ashford Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust and Braemar Hotels & Resorts Investors
On September 3, 2024, UNITE HERE Local 11 sent a letter to Montgomery Bennett, the Founder, Chairman, & Chief Executive Officer of Ashford Inc.; Founder and Chairman of Braemar Hotels & Resorts; and Founder and Chairman of Ashford Hospitality Trust and Sloan Dean, the Chief Executive Officer of Remington Hospitality, regarding the ongoing labor disputes at the Cameo Beverly Hills and the Marriott Beverly Hills.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · September 6, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11: Westin Long Beach Workers Unanimously Ratify Contract with $11.25 Increase, Raising Wages by 60% in 3.5 Years
On the eve of Labor Day, UNITE HERE Local 11 notched another victory in the nation’s largest hotel strike. Workers at the Westin Long Beach unanimously ratified their new contract. Under the new agreement, workers will receive an immediate $5 an hour raise and another $6.25 an hour over 3.5 years, amounting to total wage increases of $11.25 an hour, with wages increasing by 60% during the contract. The contract will expire on January 15, 2028, months before the Olympics arrive in Los Angeles and Long Beach.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · August 30, 2024
Tamarack and DiNapoli Investor Alert from UNITE HERE Local 11: After 18 years, firms lose $18.8 million on 2024 Hotel Teatro Denver sale
Tamarack Capital Partners and DiNapoli Capital Partners sold the 110-room Hotel Teatro in Denver for $35.5 million ($322,727 per room) to RLJ Lodging Trusti after reportedly spending a combined $6 million to renovate the property’s restaurant in 2014 and rooms in 2018.ii
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · August 21, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11 Files Complaint with CA Labor Commissioner Alleging Wage Theft at Posh Cameo Beverly Hills Hotel, Operated by Remington
Last week, a housekeeping worker at Cameo Beverly Hills, which is located in the city of Los Angeles, filed a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner alleging that the company has failed to pay workers for significant work they have performed “off the clock” and that workers have not been provided legally required rest breaks. The Cameo Beverly Hills is owned by Braemar Hotels & Resorts and operated by Remington.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · August 2, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11 Rockpoint Investor Alert: Union Files Cal/OSHA Complaint Alleging Rat, Cockroach and Maggot Sightings at The Westin Long Beach, Raises Performance Issues at Rockpoint-managed funds
Investors should be aware of issues regarding the Westin Long Beach hotel, owned by real estate private equity firm Rockpoint, that present potential Environmental, Social and Governance risks. Hotel workers at the Rockpoint-owned hotel concerned for their health and safety have submitted a complaint to Cal/OSHA.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · July 26, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11: Prominent Women’s Groups Pen Letter to Aimbridge Pressing for Action in Wake of Allegations of Sexual Harassment at Aimbridge-Operated Hotels in Southern California
Leadership from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and National Organization for Women - Hollywood Chapter sent a letter this week to Aimbridge’s CEO Craig Smith to raise concerns about women workers who have brought forward allegations of sexual harassment and ineffective management at Aimbridge-operated properties in Southern California.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · May 16, 2024
Seven New Hotels, Including Hotel Maya Long Beach, Sign with UNITE HERE Local 11, Raising the Total to 41 Agreements
Following the Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Hotel Maya Long Beach has signed a tentative contract agreement. In the past week, the Hyatt Place Pasadena, Proper Santa Monica, Proper Downtown Los Angeles, Westdrift Manhattan Beach, Hotel June West LA, and Alsace Hotel also signed the historic accord.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · April 23, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11: Workers at Aimbridge-Operated SaMo Hotel Submit Letter to City Attorney, Calling for Investigation Into Hotels’ Compliance With Panic Button Law Following Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Dozens of workers at the Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica and Courtyard Santa Monica–hotels operated by Aimbridge Hospitality–walked out on strike this morning. The hotel workers' union also submitted a letter today to the Santa Monica City Attorney, alleging that the Hampton Inn Santa Monica may not be in compliance with the Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance, which was passed by the City of Santa Monica in 2019. In particular, the letter alleges that the hotel regularly does not provide panic buttons to housekeepers, and that the hotel may not have provided sufficient training or other notice of workers' rights required by the Ordinance. A primary purpose of this ordinance is to help protect workers from sexual assault in the workplace.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · April 18, 2024
UNITE HERE LOCAL 11 ON STRIKE: Workers at Aimbridge-Operated Hotels Launch Week of Action Following Company’s Response to Women’s Allegations of Sexual Harassment
Hundreds of workers at hotels operated by Aimbridge Hospitality across the Los Angeles area who have been waging a campaign for living wages, dignified conditions, and protections against sexual harassment walked out on strike this morning. Through strikes and an “occupy” action near LAX, Aimbridge workers are seeking to send a message that Aimbridge’s response to sexual harassment allegations will not suffice and that they want respect and a fair contract. Earlier this year, workers launched a boycott of the controversial hotel operator, which they have dubbed "Shamebridge."
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · April 11, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11: Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Hotel Figueroa Owner BGO and Operators Violated Los Angeles Hotel Worker Retention Law
Today, a laid-off cook, Maria Ibarra, filed a class action lawsuit alleging violations of Los Angeles’s Hotel Worker Retention Ordinance at the Hotel Figueroa where more than a hundred workers have lost their jobs.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · April 2, 2024
Fifth Woman Working at an Aimbridge-Operated Hotel Files State Sexual Harassment Allegations, Reports UNITE HERE Local 11
The fifth woman in less than a month has broken her silence by alleging she experienced sexual harassment working at an Aimbridge-operated hotel.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · March 21, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11: Investors and Stakeholders Should Question U.S. Expansion of China-based Han’s Laser Technology Group
Silicon Valley-based Hans Laser Corp., the U.S. subsidiary of China-based manufacturer Han's Laser Technology Group Co., which makes laser cutting and laser welding machinery, last year announced plans for a $60 million U.S. expansion. The firm has locations in San Jose, California and Katy, Texas and purchased 262 acres at 12429 W. Kimbro Road in the Austin suburb of Manor, Texas in April 2023.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · March 15, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11 Boycott of Hotel Figueroa and Restaurant Operator, The Botanical Group, Declared Following Firings, Shootings, and Unsettled Labor Dispute; Letter Signed by Hundreds Delivered
UNITE HERE Local 11 and dozens of workers and clergy leaders from CLUE held a press conference calling for a boycott of the Hotel Figueroa and The Botanical Group, which is the newest restaurant operator, on Thursday. The worker-called boycott marks a significant escalation in a months-long labor dispute that began last July.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · March 8, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11: Women Leaders Rise Up in Support of Santa Monica Hotel Worker Filing Sexual Harassment Complaint Against Aimbridge-Operated Property
Days before the Spirit Awards take place in Santa Monica, prominent women leaders from CLUE, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and Program for Torture Victims joined silence breakers to rally and picket outside the Hampton Inn Santa Monica. They expressed support for hotel worker Maritza Villeda, who submitted a complaint to the California Civil Rights Department alleging that her employer, the Aimbridge Hospitality-operated Hampton Inn Santa Monica, failed to respond properly to her complaints of sexual harassment by a coworker and instead terminated her.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · February 26, 2024
UNITE HERE LOCAL 11: Nearly a Dozen Elected Officials Speak Out on Alleged Violence at Hotel Maya
Nearly a dozen elected leaders have sent a letter to Hotel Maya leadership and owner-operator Ensemble expressing concern over incidents of violence against Maya workers who were peacefully protesting for improved working conditions, benefits and wages.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · February 23, 2024
Oaktree and Trinity Investor Alert from UNITE HERE Local 11: Los Angeles Times Article Alleges W Hollywood Hotel and Restaurant Failed to Prevent a Recurring Rat and Mouse Problem
Investors should be aware of issues regarding the W Hollywood hotel and its Sky Terrace restaurant, owned by Oaktree Capital Management and Trinity Investments, that present potential Environmental, Social and Governance risks. Over the past few months, some workers have submitted a complaint to Cal/OSHA reporting repeated sightings of vermin in food-storage or food-service areas, while other workers filed federal unfair labor practice charges alleging unlawful retaliation, interrogation, and other practices.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · February 8, 2024
With New Hotel License Requirement Looming, UNITE HERE Local 11 Raises Alleged Worker Rights Violations at Carpenters Union Fund-Owned Hyatt Regency LAX with LA Police Commission
The Carpenters pension fund-owned Hyatt Regency LAX may be at risk of being unable to obtain an operating license required by the Los Angeles Responsible Hotels Ordinance. The hospitality workers’ union, UNITE HERE Local 11, has sent a letter to the Los Angeles Police Commission to inform it of allegations of worker rights violations at the Hyatt Regency LAX, which is owned by the Southwest Carpenters Pension Fund.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · February 1, 2024
UNITE HERE Local 11: Proposed $3.5 Billion Deal by Landlord and Hotel Owner Blackstone Group Could Worsen Housing Crisis
Blackstone’s planned acquisition of the single-family rental company Tricon Residential will further exacerbate the housing affordability crisis and harm tenants and workers, according to UNITE HERE Local 11, AFSCME Local 3299, the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) and the Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP).
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · January 31, 2024
As UNITE HERE Local 11 Launches “Shamebridge” Boycott, Aimbridge Hospitality Loses Second Operating Agreement at LA Hotel
On the first day of the American Lodging and Investment Summit, UNITE HERE Local 11 members announced a boycott of Aimbridge Hospitality, the largest third-party hotel operator in the world, until the company agrees to sign a fair contract at its union properties in Southern California.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · January 30, 2024
With New Hotel License Requirement Looming, UNITE HERE Local 11 Raises Alleged Worker Abuses at Aimbridge-Operated Hotels with LA Police Commission
For the first time since the law’s passage late last year, a hotel operator’s alleged conduct may put at risk its ability to obtain a license required by the Los Angeles Responsible Hotels Ordinance. The hospitality workers’ union, UNITE HERE Local 11, has sent letters to the Los Angeles Police Commission to inform it of allegations of worker rights abuses at two hotels operated by Aimbridge Hospitality: Holiday Inn LAX and the San Pedro DoubleTree. The Police Commission is responsible for considering license applications from hotel operators under the Ordinance’s new hotel permitting scheme. Permits may be denied based on findings of violations of worker rights.
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · January 24, 2024
“Shamebridge”: UNITE HERE Local 11 Launches Boycott of Aimbridge Hospitality
On the first day of the American Lodging and Investment Summit, UNITE HERE Local 11 members announced a boycott of Aimbridge Hospitality, the largest third-party hotel operator in the world, until the company agrees to sign a fair contract at its union properties in Southern California. The boycott calls for tourists and visitors to choose alternatives for any travel and events at the following properties:
By UNITE HERE Local 11 · Via Business Wire · January 22, 2024