Local Boycott Spreads HEI Labor Dispute to Third Major US City

What:   Launch of hotel boycott by Sheraton Crystal workers with support from UNITE HERE

Where: Sheraton Crystal City, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA (preceded by event at Hilton Crystal City Hotel, 2399 Jefferson Davis Highway)

When:  February 27^th, 2010
               5:30pm – Assemble at the Hilton Crystal City
               6:00pm –  March to Sheraton Crystal City

Background:

After a year of struggle that has included intimidation, firings, supply shortages, and protests, workers at the HEI-owned Sheraton Crystal City hotel are taking the dramatic step of calling for a boycott of their own hotel.   Sheraton Crystal City hotel workers have announced that since the company has not accepted their demand for a fair democratic process to decide whether to form a union, an official boycott of the hotel is being called.   The Sheraton Crystal City workers will join co-workers at two other HEI properties, the Long Beach Hilton and the San Francisco Le Meridian, who have already declared boycotts.

In October and November 2009, the Office of General Counsel of the NLRB issued unfair labor practice complaints against the HEI Sheraton Crystal City. The complaints allege that HEI engaged in violations of federal law, including allegedly interrogating employees about union activity, creating the impression of surveillance, and threatening employees with reprisals, including firing. A trial is scheduled for April.

“We are struggling for justice and a voice on the job and we need your support by respecting our boycott. If you keep spending money here, the company will only keep mistreating us,” said Herman Romero, a worker at the HEI Sheraton Crystal City and a union leader.

Workers at the Sheraton Crystal City are being supported in their demand for a fair and democratic process for deciding to form a union by UNITE HERE. UNITE HERE represents workers throughout the U.S. and Canada who work in the hospitality, gaming, food service, manufacturing, textile, laundry, and airport industries.