Long Beach, Calif. (April 8, 2013) – Hyatt hotels in Long Beach, UNITE HERE Local 11, and Long Beach City Councilwoman, the Honorable Dr. Suja Lowenthal, today announced that associates at Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Hyatt The Pike Long Beach have elected to be represented by UNITE HERE Local 11.

All Hyatt associates who will be represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 in Long Beach were eligible to vote in the election, which was supervised by an independent election judge. The election judge verified the results last week, noting that a majority of Hyatt associates who were eligible to vote chose to have UNITE HERE represent them. Hyatt associates were notified last week of the election results.

"We’ve always maintained strong relations with our associates and unions representing Hyatt associates in other locations, and we’ve always believed Hyatt associates should have the right to choose union representation in an election," said Stephen D’Agostino, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Long Beach. "We look forward to working with UNITE HERE to reach a contract that will continue to support our associates and maintain our high workplace standards."

In November 2012, Long Beach voters approved Measure N, establishing a new minimum wage for hotel workers. The election paves the way for a better relationship between UNITE HERE Local 11 and Hyatt hotels in Long Beach. The election also marks an end to UNITE HERE’s boycott of Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Hyatt The Pike.

"We are very excited to welcome Hyatt Regency and Hyatt The Pike workers to UNITE HERE, a growing movement of housekeepers, cooks, bellman and others in the hospitality industry. On behalf of our new members, we are committed to negotiating the best contract we can that addresses wages, benefits and working conditions," said Ada Briceno, secretary-treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 11. "We look forward to sitting down together with Hyatt."

Several Long Beach councilmembers joined today’s announcement at City Hall, including Lowenthal, whose second district is home to both Hyatt properties.

"It’s rewarding to see that Measure N is already helping Long Beach’s tourism industry," said Dr. Lowenthal, who represents Long Beach City Council District 2. "Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Hyatt The Pike are important members of our community and anchors of the tourism industry in Long Beach. Measure N has allowed us to build a relationship between Hyatt hotels in Long Beach and UNITE HERE Local 11 that will benefit the hotels, workers, and the community going forward."

About Hyatt Regency Long Beach

Hyatt Regency Long Beach, located a quarter mile from Long Beach’s renowned six mile beach, offers 528 modern guest rooms, all with water views, including ten suites and ten Executive King accommodations. The property features 22,000 square feet of function and meeting space, and is wired with WiFi and high speed internet access. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Tides Poolside Restaurant, serves farm-to-table, seasonal continental cuisine. Additionally guests enjoy the hotel’s Perks Coffee Pantry for morning grab and go service, and its Lobby Lounge Bar for cocktails and light fare in the evenings. In-room dining, a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, and complimentary Stay Fit Gym, round out the hotel’s amenities. For reservations or more information, call Hyatt Regency Long Beach at 562-491-1234 or visit www.longbeach.hyatt.com.

About Hyatt The Pike Long Beach

Hyatt The Pike Long Beach, located steps from all of Long Beach’s major attractions, offers 138 well-appointed rooms and suites styled with contemporary luxury furnishings, and offers boutique style amenities such as Italian coverlet linens and DEAN & DELUCA snacks. All rooms have custom lighting, MP3 docking stations, soothing sounds machines, in-room coffeemakers, flat panel televisions and roomy work stations with ergonomic chairs. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Bay Street Kitchen, offers farm-to-table menus, drawing from California’s seasonal and local produce. The Rooftop 360 lounge offers poolside seating and cabanas, live weekend entertainment, full bar, light fare and bottle service. Additionally, Hyatt The Pike features five distinct meeting and event rooms totaling 6,000 square feet.  For more information or to book reservations at Hyatt The Pike Long Beach, call 562-432-1234 or visit www.thepikelongbeach.hyatt.com.

About UNITE HERE Local 11

UNITE HERE Local 11 represents 20,000 workers in hotels, restaurants, airports, sports arenas and convention centers in Southern California.