Statement from Hyatt Regency Baltimore 7/25/12

A statement The Brew received this afternoon from Jennifer Clark, of Fleishman-Hillard, on behalf of Hyatt Regency Baltimore. Clark asked that we attribute the statement to Gail Smith-Howard, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Baltimore:

“At Hyatt Regency Baltimore, we know employees’ wellbeing is fundamental to the success of our business. We maintain an outstanding workplace safety record, are a recognized leader in promoting a diverse workforce, and provide associates with the time and tools necessary to do a great job. Forty percent of Hyatt Regency Baltimore associates have more than 10 years of service, and many of our managers represent minority groups.

On an as needed basis, and like virtually all hotel management companies, Hyatt uses staffing companies to perform certain functions so we can respond effectively to fluctuations in business levels and operate efficiently. In all cases, we take any decision to engage staffing companies very seriously.

It’s unfortunate that UniteHere’s leaders continue to misrepresent the facts and mislead people into supporting their agenda to boost membership and collect more dues. Regardless of union representation, Hyatt provides industry-leading wage and benefits packages, including health care coverage and wellness programs for our associates and their families, as well as generous retirement contributions.

The UniteHere campaign is not about creating a better workplace at Hyatt hotels, rather an attempt to boost union membership by organizing our associates through a non-democratic and intimidating process. At the core of our culture and values is respect for our associates. We believe they should have the right to say “yes” or “no” to a union with a democratic secret-ballot election as the National Labor Relations Board has provided for more than 75 years. Last year, Hyatt sought approval for secret-ballot elections at several properties so our associates could choose whether to be represented by the union. UniteHere vigorously opposed that offer even though they agreed to 300 secret-ballot elections at non-Hyatt hotels over the past five years, including several such elections this year.”