President Obama voices support for hotel workers fighting to unionize

The Indianapolis Star reported this week that President Barack Obama spoke out in support of union organizing drives at several area hotels, and went on to recognize those workers fighting for the union.

The President was in the area to give the commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame, and attended a fundraiser at the Indianapolis Westin on Sunday night.

In his speech at the hotel, he said, "There are workers here from Indianapolis hotels who are seeking to unionize, including some right here at the Westin. And I want to recognize these workers and offer my support for their efforts. Where are they? Raise your hands, guys."

After the speech, Obama met privately with William Selm, the former doorman of the Indianapolis Westin who supported the union organizing drive at his hotel and whose job was outsourced to a contractor.

"He said, It's a terrible thing that happened to you, about workers being intimidated. You're in my corner.' " said Selm, who, along with several other hotel workers, had received free tickets to attend the fundraiser.