Marriott workers can’t hide their enthusiasm for the Dodgers loss to the Boston Red Sox in game one of the World Series last night. They are pissed that the team decided to stay at The Ritz Carlton, their normal Boston property of choice and a Marriott family brand, despite the picketing Marriott employees outside. Marriott workers from seven properties around the city, including legacy Starwood hotels, are picketing for increased job security, better benefits, and higher pay.
“Jackie Robinson is rolling over in his grave right now that members of his team are crossing the picket line,” said Brian Lang, president of Unite Here Local 26, invoking the name of the first black baseball player, who’s a former Dodger. “The Dodgers ought to take his number down … He stood up for justice.”
The head of the local hotel worker’s union said he tried to work with the team to get them to switch to a non-striking hotel, but there was nothing with an adequate number of suites available. Apparently, team management was very aware of the situation and decided to sneak the organization in via a back door.
“For millionaires to hold their desire for luxury over people struggling paycheck to paycheck — I think it’s shameful.”
The New York Yankees also stayed at the Ritz for the playoff series, but that stay was booked during the first day of the strike when it would have been difficult to find workable alternatives.
Marriott had no statement on the Dodgers stay but did note the following:
“While we respect our associates’ rights to voice their opinions and participate in demonstrations and this work stoppage, we are disappointed that Unite Here has chosen to resort to a strike. We continue to believe that the best place to resolve these issues is at the bargaining table.”
A website has been set-up to educate the general public on why the workers are striking as well as to list properties to avoid. The current Boston properties on that list include:
- Aloft Boston Seaport
- Element Boston Seaport
- Ritz-Carlton Boston Common
- Sheraton Boston
- W Boston
- Westin Boston Waterfront
- Westin Copley Place
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1 comment
Shameful!! Union members should never be asked to cross a picketing strike. Marriott should settle, period!!