Boston hotel workers buck concession trend
1986 1986-01Read it in the scan (PDF at ETOL), page 3 →
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By ART LECLAIR and ROGER SHEPPARD BOSTON-In the December issue of Socialist Action we reported on the possibility of a major hotel strike in Boston. As we went to press it appeared almost certain that 4000 members of Local 26 of the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union were going to walk out at midnight Dec. 1.
However, due to the visible strength and solidarity of the union member -ship-along with the forceful leadership of President Domenic Bozzotto and the negotiation committee-not only was a strike averted but a major victory was won.
On Dec. 3 the membership of Local 26 overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that will boost wages more than 6 percent annually. New hires, however, will earn 25 percent below the regular wage for four months. The bosses had demanded that the entry level lower wage last for one year.
According to the agreement, manage -ment will also contribute a 26-percent increase in insurance premiums, health and welfare benefits from the first day of employment, and the pension fund.
According to Bozzoto, "This is the finest package that's been negotiated in the country since '82" (Local 26's last contract).
The contract also contains strong language against discrimination and sexual harassment. The hotels have agreed to open up the higher-paying "front of the house" jobs to minorities and give the first shot at promotions to current employees. The hotels will also finance a pre-paid comprehensive legal fund for employees.
How did Local 26 buck the trend of concession contracts? First is the leadership team around Bozzotto. They have established the policy of beginning to organize for the next contract fight the day after you sign the contract.
This method of mobilizing the rank and file far in advance of negotiations is one element. The second is holding mass democratic meetings to report back on all details of the negotiations.
The other major factor in the success of Local 26 is Bozzotto's recognition of the importance of the minority communities as central allies in the struggle to obtain a fair and decent contract.
With this in mind, Local 26 published all its leaflets and strike related materials in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Haitian Creole so that no segment of the local would be isolated.
Finally, Local 26, as it had done during the Greyhound strike in 1983, reached out to the entire labor movement in the Boston area. At a massive rally held before the strike deadline, over 1200 members of Local 26 and their supporters gathered to hear State AFL-CIO President Arthur Osborne and other labor officials speak on the importance of organized labor solidarity.
The victory of Local breath of fresh air for the labor movement in Boston. The methods employed by the hotel workers to achieve it will inspire others to take up the challenge of the bosses and fight for dignity and better conditions on the job.
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HOTE OCA Socialist Action/Dave Walt