Striking Hotel Workers Tackled by Security at Santa Monica Hotel
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A clash between striking hotel workers and security personnel at a Santa Monica hotel on Saturday was caught on video, sparking outrage among labor advocates. The incident occurred as the workers were picketing for better wages and benefits, more than a month into their labor strike.
The protest began with a march from the Viceroy Santa Monica to the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. However, tensions escalated when private security workers forcefully tackled several picketing workers to the ground outside the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. In a cell phone video, organizer Noel Rodriguez can be seen being yanked and his arm twisted behind his back.
“Hotel security assaulted us,” Rodriguez alleged. “They assaulted the workers, they assaulted me, and a bunch of other folks. It was actually the police who stepped in and made them stop and made them respect our right to go in and picket.”
The Santa Monica Police did not confirm these details to FOX 11 but acknowledged the workers’ right to strike on hotel property. Both sides were aware of this right, according to the police.
Despite the scuffle, striking hotel workers eventually managed to enter the hotel property before rallying outside its premises. During the rally, the workers claimed that the hotel played loud music in an attempt to drown out their protests.
FOX 11 reached out to the Fairmont Miramar Hotel for comment but received no response.
The strike, which started on July 2, involves hotel workers across Los Angeles and Orange counties. The strikers, including cooks, room attendants, dishwashers, servers, and more, are demanding higher pay and better health care and retirement benefits. Represented by the UNITE HERE Local 11 union, which represents over 15,000 hospitality workers in Southern California, the workers are seeking negotiations with more than 60 hotels, including major chains such as Marriott and Hilton.
“We’re asking only what we deserve,” stated housekeeper Liliana Hernandez. “They (the hotels) got a lot of PPE loans during COVID. We got laid off. They didn’t care for any of us.”
In a separate demonstration at the Viceroy Hotel, demands from workers echoed those at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. Ignacio Ortega, who has been loyal to the Viceroy Hotel for 17 years, expressed his desire for a decent retirement.
The striking workers have also planned further demonstrations in downtown LA, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, and near the Los Angeles International Airport.
FOX 11 attempted to contact the Viceroy Hotel for comment but has not yet received a response.
The labor strike by hotel workers has garnered support from various corners, with politicians and even pop star Taylor Swift urging concert postponements in solidarity with the workers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.