BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UNITE HERE Local 26 reports that the strike at the Westmont Hospitality Group managed Battery Wharf Hotel in Boston entered its second month. Workers walked off the job on September 5th, 2019 citing management’s rejection of protections for immigrant workers, African Americans and women. Every other full service union hotel in Boston has agreed to these contract terms, according to Local 26.
Westmont also proposed to freeze wages, eliminate the existing family health benefit, and end pension fund contributions.
Westmont Hospitality Group and Singapore-based Bestford Capital purchased the Battery Wharf in 2014. The partnership also owns 89 Red Roof Inn properties.
On October 1st, the Boston Globe reported:
“The fight is playing out in front of the hotel every day, as workers picket from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s impossible to know how many guests have stayed away during the strike, and the hotel has repeatedly refused to address the strike’s impact on occupancy.”
The Globe further interviewed a number of condo owners who described the impact of the strike:
“Resident Joanne Prevost Anzalone, who owns Anzalone Realty in the North End and serves as vice president of the Battery Wharf residential condo association, said it’s not just the “horrendous” noise that’s getting to people. Furniture and FedEx packages aren’t being delivered because union drivers refuse to cross the picket line.”
Battery Wharf Hotel workers are asking that people respect their picket lines and not stay at the hotel until this dispute is resolved.
For more information, visit www.BatteryWharfIsBad.org
About UNITE HERE Local 26
UNITE HERE Local 26 represents 9,000 members working in the hotel, gaming, and food service in Boston and Rhode Island.