Help Emeryville, CA Hotel Workers

In November 2005, Emeryville, CA voters passed Measure C, a living wage law for hotel workers. The measure guarantees workers a living wage, reasonable workload limits, and job security when hotels change management. Emeryville’s hotel workers, who ­are mostly immigrant women of color facing low wages, large work quotas, and a lack of job security, hoped that Measure C would finally bring them fair pay and respect on the job.

The Woodfin Suites has failed to comply with the measure’s wage and workload standards, and in August, its employees began a public campaign urging the hotel to follow the ordinance. In apparent retaliation, Woodfin managers announced plans to fire approximately 30 employees, claiming that they have found problems with the workers’ Social Security numbers. On October 18th, 24 Woodfin employees filed a class action lawsuit seeking back pay and a temporary restraining order prohibiting the hotel from terminating plaintiffs.

The Woodfin employees have received broad community support when they began standing up for their rights under Measure C. Fifty clergy and faith leaders from across the state have signed a letter urging Woodfin CEO Samuel Hardage to follow his conscience and assure workers that they will not be fired. Over 20 community and labor organizations have sent letters to Woodfin, while numerous political leaders have also sent letters of support, including State Senate President Don Perata, State Assemblywomen Loni Hancock and Wilma Chan, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, and the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee.

Sign the letter to CEO Samuel Hardage here, letting him know that the workers at his hotel deserve their due under the new living wage law in Emeryville.