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By Camilo Viveiros, on March 3rd, 2010  On November 7, 2009, the Westin Providence fired three housemen, Alfred Palumbo, Mike Crone, and Jose Minaya, in retaliation for their legally protected union protest. The Westin refused appeals from the Union and community leaders to reinstate them. The workers’ union, UNITE HERE Local 217, filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which investigated the case for four months.
On Wednesday, February 24, the NLRB Regional Director in Boston gave notice that the Federal Government has authorized a civil prosecution of the Westin Providence for the firings.
In order to avoid further prosecution, the Westin Providence suddenly offered all three workers reinstatement at the hotel to their previous jobs, pay and benefits. Once the NLRB authorizes a complaint, the Westin will be required to make all three workers whole for lost back pay and benefits, and post an official Federal notice throughout the Hotel in order to avoid a trial before a federal labor judge.
Mike Crone was a houseman at the Westin for 12 years before he was terminated by the hotel on November
Continue reading Fired Westin Workers in Providence, RI Win Their Jobs Back After NLRB Action
By Allison Fletcher Acosta, on December 1st, 2009 Looking to buy gifts for the holidays AND support workers? We’ve got some ideas for you!
 Naturally, we recommend starting off at the Jobs with Justice store, where you can find union-made t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, buttons, stickers, and even yo-yos with a pro-worker message.
For union made apparel, UNITE HERE keeps a list of companies with the union label, as does the UFCW.
Sweatfree Communities and the International Labor Rights Forum have put together the “2010 Shop with a Conscience Consumer Guide” with clothing sourced from sweat-free factories throughout the world.
Wondering what to serve at the holiday party? Here’s a list of union-made sweets & treats and other food and beverages.
If you’re traveling over the holidays, you can search here for a union hotel.
If you are a union member yourself, save money on flowers, computers, phones, and more at the Union Plus website.
Want to know what NOT to buy? Check out the 2010 Sweatshop Hall of Fame.
And just in case you were planning on dropping $30-$70K on a Lexus wrapped up in a bow, why not buy a
Continue reading Worker-Friendly Holiday Shopping Guide
By Allison Fletcher Acosta, on October 16th, 2009 Last week we told you about two campaigns that Rhode Island JwJ supported during JwJ’s economic recovery week of action – an ordinance to protect against Hyatt-style subcontracting in the Providence Convention Center District, and a union contract campaign for food service workers at Brown University where health care was a key issue.
Yesterday, Brown dining service workers voted to approve a new three-year contract that keeps health care affordable and includes 2% wage increases each year.
 Last night, the Providence City Council took a final vote to approve the Hospitality Business Protection and Worker Retention Ordinance. The ordinance will require that hospitality businesses in the district, including the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the Rhode Island Convention Center, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, and three hotels, retain employees for at least six months in the event of a sale or subcontract of the business and maintain the prevailing wage and health insurance standards.
These victories come as “the most dangerous woman in Rhode Island moves on” and as RI JwJ welcomes a new staff person. We wish outgoing RI
Continue reading Update: Two Worker Victories in Providence
By Allison Fletcher Acosta, on October 6th, 2009  On October 1st, surrounded by 100+ supporters of the measure from UNITE HERE Local 217 and Jobs with Justice, Providence became the first city to act since the scandal provoked by the firing of the “Hyatt 100” in Boston. These 100 housekeepers were left with no jobs when three Boston Hyatt Hotels replaced them in with low-wage subcontractors.
The Providence City Council, taking the first of two required votes, voted unanimously to approve an ordinance to protect against Hyatt-style subcontracting in the Providence Convention Center District. The Hospitality Business Protection and Worker Retention Ordinance will require that hospitality businesses in the district retain employees for at least six months in the event of a sale or subcontract of the business and maintain the prevailing wage and health insurance standards.
Councilman Solomon introduced the legislation:
I am proud to be working to protect Providence workers from Hyatt-style layoffs. Our cities have invested massive public resources to build the tourism industry. In return tourism employers should provide good middle class jobs, whether at the Hyatt in Boston or the Convention
Continue reading Providence City Council Votes to Protect Against Hyatt-style Subcontracting
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