The Hotel Employees Restaurant Employees Union Local 30 (HERE) has taken its labour dispute against the Hotel Del Coronado to the Internet by launching a new website.
“We`ve been letting potential customers know about our boycott the old-fashioned way up till now, with mailings, phone calls, leafleting and picketing,” said Jef Eatchel, Secretary Treasurer of HERE Local 30. “A lot of folks now are using the Internet to make vacation decisions and book their stays. When they search for information about the Hotel Del Coronado, they`re going to hear our side of what`s happening at the hotel.” Visitors to the website can get news about the labour dispute, including video footage of arrests, a strike and boisterous boycott picket lines. In addition, BoycottHotelDel.org offers information on the effects of the hotel`s $55 million renovation, including summaries of a recent City of Coronado environmental study that anticipates noise from pile drivers and bulldozers, dust and air pollution from the construction. The website also identifies resident`s concerns about traffic and parking problems at the hotel.
The health and safety section of the website warns of sewage leaks near the hotel`s beaches, and asbestos locations in the resort`s structure. “We`re providing potential visitors with a wealth of information about the hotel, which they won`t hear about from management,” said Eatchel. “The site also offers links to alternative hotels in San Diego, and allows users to e-mail hotel management with concerns.” Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra - famous guests at the Hotel Del Coronado - also make an appearance on the website.
HERE Local 30, which has represented employees at the Hotel Del Coronado for over 50 years, is seeking improvements in wages and benefits, workload protections and seniority, and a fair process for other workers in the hotel to join the union. HERE Local 30 represents 4,500 workers in Southern California and Utah.
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