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Say problems persist with union contract negotiations 

About 100 union supporters protested at the entranceways of the Claremont Resort and Spa on Thursday to protest union problems with the exclusive hotel’s management.  

The protesters chanted: “No justice, no peace,” and carried signs in the shape of hearts inscribed with Valentine’s Day-inspired thoughts, such as “I’m in the mood for justice” and “Contract be mine” and “Besiege estoy con La Union.” 

Hotel Employee and Restaurant Employee Union Local 2850 organizers said the food and beverage workers’ contract expired in September, and negotiations have been especially difficult. They also said about 140 spa workers have indicated they want to join Local 2850, but hotel management has resisted the idea. 

A press statement issued by the hotel’s director of marketing, Denise Chapman, said the hotel has been working with the union. 

“We are in the process of re-negotiating a contract and we have been bargaining in good faith since of August of last year,” the statement read. “When it comes to our employees there is a lot of love.” 

At one point the crowd spilled off the sidewalk into the street prompting police officers to block the flow of traffic. 

“We’re in for a long struggle with the hotel and we just thought Valentine’s Day was a good time to start things off,” said union organizer Stephanie Ruby.