Three-year agreement includes raises, diversity language and quality healthcare

ANAHEIM – UNITE HERE Local 11 and the Anaheim Hilton hotel reached a tentative contract agreement this week that includes continued, affordable family healthcare and raises for the some 700 hotel workers. 

"We are very happy to have settled such a great contract," said Adrianna de Martinez, an Anaheim Hilton housekeeper. "We are grateful to management for understanding our needs and respecting us enough to agree to a deal that is fair for both sides."

The three-year contract includes a signing bonus, a $.40 raise in 2011 and $.60 raise in 2012 for all non-tipped workers. Tipped employees in banquets and in-room dining won a signing bonus and greater share of the hotel’s service charge. The bell desk employees won increases in delivery fees and more money when guests store baggage, increasing their take-home pay.

In perhaps the biggest victory, the hotel agreed to increase healthcare contributions to ensure that workers will continue to have access to family medical and dental care.

Employees also won advancements in contract language, including a diversity clause that requires the hotel to boost its efforts to hire a diverse workforce, especially African Americans.

"In a year of bargaining, both sides worked really hard to come to this agreement," said Herminda Gil, an Anahiem Hilton housekeeper. "I am proud of my co-workers and our managers. Now, my co-workers and I can focus our energy on helping the rest of our hotel brothers and sisters in Orange County secure affordable healthcare and living wages too."

In a sign of unity, the new contract calls for the creation of a labor/management committee designed to foster a positive relationship between workers and supervisors. The committee will meet several times a year to resolve issues and discuss new ideas.

"We are very proud of our positive relationship with the Anaheim Hilton and applaud the hard work it took to reach this great agreement," said Ada Briceno, UNITE HERE Local 11 Secretary-Treasurer.

A ratification vote is scheduled for next week.