Unfair Labor Practice Settlement in Ithaca (story & VIDEO)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.weny.com/News-Local.asp?ARTICLE3864=7827826

Video at link.

Ted Fioraliso

March 6, 2008

ITHACA -- The National Labor Relations Board has upheld an unfair labor practice charge against the Ithaca Hilton Garden Inn.

As we first told you in November, the Tompkins County Workers’ Center filed a complaint with the NLRB after former housekeeper Michelle Lopez was fired. The Workers' Center claims hotel management threatened to fire workers who discussed her termination.

The Hilton Garden Inn will now post a statement for 60 days, which tells employees they cannot be disciplined for discussing workplace conditions.

The NLRB, however, did not find the circumstances leading to Lopez's firing an unfair labor practice.

“I guess I can be happy on that behalf,” said Lopez, “But I'd still like to see a lot of changes. I'll continue the fight through the workers' center to try to raise minimum wage, and let workers know they are worth more than $7.15."

“You have the right to take what's called 'concerted action.' You can organize with just one more person in your workplace to challenge conditions, to challenge wages. You have the right to do that, and it's protected,” said Pete Myers from the Workers’ Center.

In a written statement, general manager James Bouderau says, “We were extremely pleased that Miss Lopez's allegations were dismissed by the board." He goes on to say the Hilton Garden Inn accepts and agrees with the decision to post the list of workers' rights.

Michelle Lopez now works for the Workers' Center.