Hotel Voice
Let’s Look at the Issues
March 3, 2014 1:40 PM
In a vote where workers are deciding whether they want to be represented by a union it is not unusual for employers to interfere. That interference often comes in the form of threats of relocating the business or going out of business altogether, as well as legal maneuvers to stall or call off the vote, and intimidation tactics such as surveillance and even the firing of workers who openly support the union.
Grants Help Teenagers Learn To Drive
March 3, 2014 1:27 PM
Union members now can cut down on family stress — and on their auto insurance premiums, too. They can make teaching a teenager to drive easier — and safer — with a grant of up to $250 to help pay for a “behind the wheel” driver’s education course. The grants are available only to union members insuring their cars with Union Plus Auto Insurance. Classes are offered locally and typically cost between $300 and $600.
Beware of College Loan, Scholarship Scams
As Hotel Voice readers know all too well, college tuition keeps getting higher and higher. But you should also know that the cost of college is expensive enough without being conned by college loan and scholarship scams. Read the following and save yourself and your children from being victimized by these scams!
Union Wins $500,000 in Back Pay for 44 Members at the New Yorker
February 24, 2014 10:38 AM
An agreement between the Union and the New Yorker Hotel will result in raises and $500,000 in back pay, along with ironclad layoff protections for 44 current employees in building repairs/renovations and property operations. The employees overwhelmingly ratified the deal in a vote held on February 11, 2014.
Let’s Look at the Issues
February 24, 2014 10:30 AM
Identify theft doesn’t just happen to someone else. Just ask any of the 10 million Americans—including more than a few members of our Union—who were victimized by this crime last year. That’s why our friends at the AFL-CIO and Union Plus have asked us to remind you of the best ways to fight identity theft.
Being Promoted? Please Read This!
February 24, 2014 10:29 AM
Promotions are always good news, especially if they come with a promise of better wages or other enticements. But as the Union has seen many times in the past, some members find that their new jobs and responsibilities aren’t what they were expecting, leading them to want to return to their original jobs.
Republicans in Congress Stall Immigration Reform
February 19, 2014 9:41 AM
Some 11 million undocumented workers in the U.S. will have to keep waiting for any kind of federal immigration reform, after House Speaker John Boehner broke his promise this week to bring the issue up for a vote.
Let’s Look at the Issues
February 17, 2014 9:35 AM
A recent study by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) contains some alarming news about working families and bank accounts. Among other results, the study revealed that almost one-third of all households in the U.S. do not have a savings account, 10 percent of all U.S. households do not have a checking account and more than 10 million American households have no bank account(s) at all. People who participated in a similar study said that the major reason for this unfortunate situation is the high fees that banks can charge account holders. But the truth is that fees can run even higher if you don’t have a bank account.
Scholarship Program for Division ‘A’ Hotels Is Accepting Applications
February 10, 2014 1:07 PM
We are happy to announce that the Hotel Trades Council’s Division A college scholarship program is now accepting applications. This program is open to the children of Hotel Trades Council members employed in Division A hotels.
Understanding Division A Renewals
February 10, 2014 1:04 PM
This week’s edition of Hotel Voice reports that the Hotel Trades Council’s Division A scholarship program is now accepting applications for 2014. Although Division A contains a smaller percentage of the Hotel Trades Council’s membership than non-Division A shops, the Division A scholarship program is no less generous.
Let’s Look at the Issues
February 10, 2014 1:00 PM
There are very few adults in the U.S. who at one time or another weren’t personally touched by a Pete Seeger song. Seeger, who died last week at the age of 94, was a fervent civil rights activist, an determined environmentalist, a fierce civil liberties advocate, and an exceedingly strong union supporter.
Letters to the Editor
February 10, 2014 12:46 PM
I have worked at the Hotel Trades Council for three summers as an intern. This past summer I was offered an opportunity to work for an elected official, yielding an exciting opportunity.
Let’s Look at the Issues
February 4, 2014 3:13 PM
Let’s hear it for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand! She has introduced legislation that would allow millions of college graduates to reduce their debt on student loans by refinancing at a lower interest rate. Furthermore, she has called on President Obama to lead the charge on this effort.
Some Notes on Unemployment Insurance
February 3, 2014 3:11 PM
While Congressional Democrats are calling for an emergency extension of federal unemployment benefits, Republicans have a different idea. And unless enough public pressure mounts, Republicans may win this issue.
Health Center or Emergency Room?
January 27, 2014 1:12 PM
If it's not urgent, it's usually best to go to your primary care doctor at the Health Center for medical care. Your doctor knows you, your health history, can access your medical records and provide follow-up care or refer you to specialists either onsite at the Health Center or nearby, with a written referral. If the doctor you normally go to at the Health Center is unavailable, you may request a same-day appointment with another available doctor.
Let’s Look at the Issues
January 27, 2014 1:06 PM
In two weeks we will mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the NAACP. It is indeed appropriate that this observance is held at this time each year. After all, February is Black History Month.
Reminder: Union Plus Scholarship Deadline Is January 31
January 27, 2014 1:04 PM
This is a final reminder that the deadline for applying for Union Plus scholarships is Friday, January 31. That still leaves time for eligible applicants because the entire Union Plus application process takes place online.
Hotel Employees Basketball League News
January 27, 2014 12:47 PM
The Hotel Employees Basketball League is providing exciting action each week! A perfect example is the game last week that featured a battle of the Hiltons—the Hilton New York vs. the Hilton Times Square. The game was a nail-biter throughout and ended with an almost unbelievable flourish. Kelvis Flandez capped off a 31-point night by drilling a buzzer beater from way behind the half court line, resulting in a 50-47 victory for the Hilton New York.
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 20, 2014 1:11 PM
Several months ago our entire country honored the life and accomplishments of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. It is a particularly poignant observance for our Union for reasons that are well known to veteran members but may not be known to newer members.
