Aston Waikiki Beach and Hotel Renew workers celebrate anniversary of their protests for justice
On February 3, 2015, workers at the Aston Waikiki Beach and Hotel Renew began protesting for respect on the job.
One year ago, the workers at Aston Waikiki Beach and Hotel Renew began protesting for respect on the job and a fair process to decide whether to unionize. A fair process means choosing whether to be Union without fear of retaliation and harassment or promises of favoritism.
The day before, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) also began a trial prosecuting Aqua-Aston Hospitality on four unfair labor practice charges. A total of 18 unfair labor practice charges have been filed against Aqua-Aston, which manages both hotels. The charges include allegations that Aqua-Aston unlawfully threatened and discriminated against workers for engaging in lawful union activity, even going so far as to discipline two workers.
Even as the trial commences, management continues to harass and intimidate workers. “Every day… they’re harassing and intimidating us at work. Workers are being scared and turn around because management is continuing to harass employees,” Tino Fabro, a housekeeper at Aston Waikiki Beach, told Howard Dicus on Hawaii News Now.
“I can feel that they want to do a retaliation against me and Mary Jane [Padaca]. I’m not afraid. I’m still standing up for what I’m doing,” says Cecile Daniels, a Breakfast Attendant Hotel Renew.
To celebrate their anniversary, these workers held a rally in front of the Federal Building where the NLRB trial is taking place. Members of the community joined them and shared words of support. Workers updated everyone on what is going on with the trial and at work.
Happy Anniversary, Aston Waikiki Beach and Hotel Renew workers! We’ll keep fighting with you!
