Dozens Arrested in Marriott Worker Protests in San FranciscoTop Stories

September 04, 2018 06:47
Dozens Arrested in Marriott Worker Protests in San Francisco

(Image source from: The Wichita Eagle)

For a Labor Day protest, hundreds of union members took to the streets of San Francisco on Monday that resulted in dozens of apprehensions.

An estimation of 500 Marriott employees walked out to demand better pay from the hotel giant. The group marched to the Marriott hotel in Union Square, where an approximation of 75 protesters was arrested for obstructing traffic on Powell Street.

"One job is not enough," - the protesters waved signs, arguing Marriott employees are not making adequate money to prolong with the improving cost of living in San Francisco. Among the employees protesting were hotel room dishwashers, cleaners, and bellmen.

"One job would be enough if these greedy corporations would share some of the wealth," one protester said, adding that many of the workers need a second job to keep up.

The workers proclaimed they will be holding a work stoppage - strike - vote soon, saying their contracts expired weeks ago and claiming Marriott is making dialogues almost impossible.

"It took them four negotiations before they gave us a counter-proposal, and then on the fifth negotiation, they gave us a proposal that is actually worse than what the union won five years ago," protester Nix Guirre said.

A Marriott spokesperson released the following statement Monday afternoon:

"Marriott International's strength is rooted in our core value of putting people first. We celebrate and thank our associates for their contribution on this Labor Day. We also respect our associates’ right to voice their opinions. Marriott International has longstanding and productive relationships with Unite Here and is negotiating in good faith and in a timely fashion to obtain the best outcomes for our associates and guests."

By Sowmya Sangam

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