As part of the Unite Here Hotel Workers Rising campaign, 1,500 hotel workers and their supporters took to the streets
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Unite Here Local 25 represents union hotel workers in D.C., over 4,500 of whom are working under collective bargaining agreements set to expire on Sept. 15. In anticipation, Local 25 has launched a major campaign to mobilize its membership and community supporters to demand that the new contract include guarantees on healthcare, pensions, wages and job security. They will also be working to unionize additional hotels.
The group marched across the Taft Bridge during rush hour and then picketed in front of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Speakers included Unite Here international president Bruce Raynor and Local 25 executive secretary-treasurer John Boardman.
Community supporters present included the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism). ANSWER supported Local 25 in their campaign during winter 2004-05, which ultimately resulted in its current contract. ANSWER will continue to support the campaign in the coming months.
