December 8, 2010

Hotel workers’ supporters brave rain and cold to deliver holiday appeal for justice to Hyatt

On Wednesday evening, workers, community members, and clergy from around the Bay Area gathered in Union Square to shine a light on economic justice.  The candlelit vigil coincided with the last day of Hanukkah and the middle of Advent.

Marc Norton, a bellman at the Hotel Frank who was fired for his role as a union activist, and Francesca Ramos, a 20-year linen attendant at the Westin St. Francis, spoke on behalf of the hotel workers of San Francisco, both union and non-union, who are struggling for dignity, respect, and a decent livelihood as we enter this holiday season.

Religious leaders of all faiths led the crowd in praying for justice for workers and a change of heart for the owners and managers of hotel corporations.  Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller of Progressive Jewish Alliance, one of the organizers of the event, pointed to the special resonance of the story of Hanukkah, “One aspect of the miracle we celebrate during Hanukkah is the miracle of faith – despite that it appeared that they had only a small supply of fuel, the people took the step of faith as they lit the lamp in the ancient Temple.” While the hotel workers’ struggle might be long, she added, “We can join the workers’ in having faith that they are on a worthy journey toward justice and dignity in the workplace.”

Following the lighting of eight candles, the group marched while singing “We Shall Not Be Moved” to the Grand Hyatt hotel, where they regaled customers, hotel management, and security guards with holiday carols.  A delegation of clergy entered the hotel to deliver a holiday card to the Grand Hyatt’s general manager.

permalink // tags: Actions, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt