Despite recession, UNITE HERE members win strong new contracts!

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.unitehere.org/detail.php?ID=3188

February 17, 2010

The recession has put pressure on workers everywhere, but UNITE HERE members are standing together to win strong contracts despite the economic downturn. Over the last month, distribution center workers in Woburn, MA, hotel/casino workers in Puerto Rico, and hotel workers in San Diego, CA, have all ratified strong new contracts.

On Friday, February 5th, a new contract was ratified by UNITE HERE members at the Worcester, MA, TJ Maxx distribution center. Members of the New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE ratified the contract by an 88% margin.

The new TJ Maxx contract came after months of solidarity actions among the 800 Worcester workers as well as actions with distribution center workers in other plants owned by TJX Corporation in the New England Area.

TJ Maxx workers in Worcester won a new contract that stopped mandatory overtime, made improvements in wages and health benefits, and made major improvements in contract language giving distribution center workers a voice on the job.

Puerto Rico Hotel Workers scored a major contract victory at the Caribe Hilton, the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza, and the El San Juan Hotel and Casino. New union contracts were ratified on Saturday, January 30, 2010, by a combined majority of 97 percent at all three Puerto Rico properties. After the ratification vote, UNITE HERE Local 610 President Felix Mejías commented: "This is obviously a proud and happy day for the membership of our union."

Members of UNITE HERE Local 610 entered into a fight for a new contract nine months ago. At the same time they were fighting for their new contract, UNITE HERE members had to fight back against an attempted raid by SEIU.

FULL story at link.