UNITE HERE Local 11 is threatening to picket many of the entertainment industry’s biggest award shows in its ongoing dispute with the hotels that have resisted the union’s hostile attempts to control wages.
The Golden Globe Awards, American Cinematheque Awards Tribute To Helen Mirren, Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards, ASC Awards, International Cinematographers Guild Publicists Awards Luncheon, CAS Awards, Voice Arts Awards Gala, 2023 HRTS Foundation Gala, Unforgettable Gala, and Asian Pacific Islander Awards are among the events potentially affected, as they are scheduled at The Beverly Hilton.
The Fairmont Century Plaza, another venue involved in the dispute, is set to host the Critics Choice Awards and the Pollstar Awards 2024. The Producers Guild of America has been attempting to relocate their event from the Fairmont since September, and the Art Directors Guild has moved its ceremony from the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.
UNITE HERE Local 11, which has connections with major Hollywood unions, is urging members not to cross picket lines at these events. Kurt Petersen, co-president of the union, expects award shows to either move or cancel to avoid crossing picket lines.
The ongoing hotel labor dispute has been acknowledged by the organizations behind these events. The union has been conducting rolling strikes since their last labor contract expired on June 30, seeking pay increases for around 15,000 members, including dishwashers, housekeepers, and cooks, due to rising housing costs in Los Angeles. To date, agreements have been reached with only four hotels.
UNITE HERE Local 11 has traditionally had strong ties with Hollywood unions, evident in its organization efforts at Chateau Marmont, and has supported the writers’ and actors’ strikes this year. The union has also received support from the Writers Guild of America, which sent a letter asking for respect of the hotel workers’ boycott.
Unite Here aka Local 11 is the dirtiest union in LA. I’m a union member, but I’d cross their picket line anytime.
Members of Unite Here appear to get more attention than residents of the city. Shyne, Erickson and Byers depend on them for support and contributions. Funny how that little system works. Their leader drags them in with interpreters no less to whine before City Council. 🥲🥲🥲
What is the history of Unite Here Local 11? When did they start, or where did they come from? Which city council members supported them?
Sepi Shyne, Chelsea Byers and John Erickson are all supported and endorsed by UNITE HERE. And Lindsey Horvath before that.
The “squad”!
Two things should be made clear: 1. West Hollywood has many Gays and Seniors who are on fixed or capped incomes. They are the fabric of our city. When unionization of our hotels means there are no longer part-time shifts. So, your Gay neighbor who is on disability from the plague in the 80’s doesn’t get to work a shift once or twice a month to make an extra $100.00 bucks. Nor can 65 year-old Mrs. B. do a Monday afternoon day shift a week at the Charlie to make an extra $200.00 a month. Our very own businesses can’t… Read more »
What a shame that these people are being taken advantage of!
There are so many free and low cost vocational schools in the L.A. area!
Abram Friedman Voctional Center is just one! they offer so many programs. When I was teaching for LAUSD, we did a tour of the center. It was unbelievable!
I have always been pro-Union, but I cannot abide by the Unite Here leaders and the way they create discourse where it does not exist and use their members to line their own pockets at the expense of local small business.
Unite Here is a plague. They hurt more than they help.
Who is feeding the beast?
You might ask SEPI’s original mentor. She is well acquainted with the system which got her convicted. Try for an interview while she is incarcerated.
Let me give some advice to Unite Here members. You are being used as pawns by union bosses to advance their own political power and their bank accounts. Enroll in any one of the many trade schools in the county and learn a skill that will enable you to earn a lot more money than you ever will making beds, cleaning bathrooms and working in the kitchen. Plumbers and welders are earning six figure incomes yearly, but there are many other skills you can learn, all of which will give you a better life than this pathetic union ever will,… Read more »
Thank you for encapsulating the essence of this scourge. Nothing better than directing one’s own life rather than being useful fools for the union bosses.
Unite Here is the Hamas of West Hollywood. They continue to damage our businesses and bleed the residents dry.