March 31, 2011
On March 30, 2011, eight jurors in Massachusetts ruled unanimously that former Senior Vice President Larry Trainor was retaliated against by HEI for filing a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. The jury also ruled that when HEI committed retaliation, HEI knew or had reason to know that their actions violated Massachusetts law. Trainor has been awarded $2.25M in damages, including $1M for emotional distress.
This verdict is another example of HEI’s disregard for the law. Over the past two years, HEI has settled a myriad of unfair labor practice complaints issued by the National Labor Relations Board’s General Counsel over allegations such as intimidation, retaliation, and creating the impression of surveillance. In California, workers at two HEI hotels have filed complaints with the state Labor Commissioner over the company’s alleged failure to grant 10-minute breaks during shifts or pay compensation mandated by state law for missed breaks.
If HEI retaliates against their senior executives this way, can you imagine how they treat room cleaners, bellmen, cooks, and other hotel staff who stand up for their rights?
If you’re interested in reading more on Trainor v. HEI Hospitality Management, click here and here.
Click here to read the jury verdict.
Click here to read Gary Mendell’s deposition
Click here to read Ted Darnell’s deposition
Click here, here, and here to read Larry Trainor’s depositions
Click here to read Nigel Hurst’s depositions
Click here to read about Gary Mendell putting on a happy face for HEI employees and the public
Click here to read a Joint Motion to Impound Confidential Information and Exhibits
permalink // tags: Boycott, Campaigns, HEI, Le Meridien
