Workers Protest Hyatt Andaz Hotel in Weho

About 100 hotel workers and labor organizers demonstrated in front of the Hyatt Andaz West Hollywood Hotel at 8401 Sunset Blvd. on Thursday. Hotel employees represented by Unite Here Local 11 say they have been working without a contract since November.

According to Unite Here, Hyatt workers in West Hollywood and in several cities across North America are striking, as part of a wave of demonstrations this week by thousands of hotel workers protesting Hyatt. They include housekeepers, bell staff, restaurant and bar workers.

"Workers say the company is trying to make the recession permanent for its employees, despite significantly improving industry conditions and Hyatt's increased profitability and huge cash reserves," according to a statement released by Unite Here.

There were no arrests or incidents reported in connection with the protest, according to Sgt. Gunnels from the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station.

According to Hyatt, its average wages are $8 to $9 per hour for tipped employees, and approximately $15.50 an hour for non-tipped employees. It says it also provides no-cost pension and no-cost healthcare for full-time employees; holiday pay and paid vacation days; free meals; free legal services; 12 free Hyatt hotel stays; discounted family and friends rates; education reimbursement; and tax-free transit cards.

At its last bargaining session on Aug. 20, Hyatt offered to increase the Health and Welfare Fund for all employees, a plan that would guarantee full coverage for the next four years.  According to Hyatt, Local 11 refused the company's proposal and demanded additional conditions that far exceed what the union has accepted from other hotel chains.

"A strike will only threaten Los Angeles' fragile economic recovery and jeopardize the livelihoods the union leadership should be protecting," said Hyatt in a statement.

Hyatt says it remains ready and willing to meet with union leadership to negotiate a fair contract.

Nationwide, the hotel industry is rebounding faster and stronger than expected, with a hearty rebound projected in 2011 and 2012, according to Unite Here. "Hyatt reported that as of June 30, 2010, it had over $1.6 billion in cash and short-term investments available," the union's statement said.

Hyatt says it would like a realistic resolution that's appropriate for the economic times and that is fair to all parties. It hopes Unite Here Local 11 will "reconsider its strike decision and not delay a return to the bargaining table any longer."

"Workers understand that Labor Day is about more than picnics and parades, it's about honoring the people who have built this country and make it run," John Wilhelm, Unite Here's president, said in a statement Thursday. "This Labor Day Hyatt workers are standing up to a company that has taken unfair advantage for too long," he said.

Hyatt countered with its own statement. "It is time for Local 11 leadership to stop putting their own agenda above the economic interests of our associates," the company said. "Since our contract expired, union leadership has chosen to delay negotiations instead of working towards the fair contract our associates expect and deserve." 

Unite Here represents more than 250,000 workers throughout the U.S. and Canada who work in the hospitality, gaming, food service, manufacturing, textile, laundry and airport industries.