Southern California Hotel Workers Go on Strike Against Automated Management
2 min read
Title: Instawork Faces Accusations of Violating Labor Laws Amidst Worker Strike at Laguna Cliffs Resort
In a surprising turn of events, Thomas Bradley, an employee hired through Instawork, joined the picket line at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Orange County, California after discovering that permanent workers were on strike. However, instead of appreciating Bradley’s solidarity, Instawork, an app-based staffing company, labeled him as a “no-show” for his scheduled shift and swiftly canceled his other assignments at nearby hotels.
The UNITE HERE Local 11 union promptly filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), accusing Instawork of violating labor laws by penalizing workers who engage in protected concerted activity. NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo has previously warned about the perils of automated management tools and their potential infringement on workers’ rights.
Responding to Instawork’s alleged retaliation, the permanent workforce at Laguna Cliffs initiated an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike on July 24, making it the first strike in opposition to the utilization of automated management tools to replace striking workers.
Local 11’s charges against Laguna Cliffs and Instawork encompass multiple violations of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). These include canceling shifts in response to protected concerted activities, penalizing workers for participating in protected activities, and a failure to prevent or address violence against picketing workers.
Moreover, concerns regarding racial divisions and discriminatory practices have been raised due to the use of black workers as strikebreakers at Laguna Cliffs. These practices highlight the pressing need for greater equality and inclusivity within the industry.
As the labor dispute escalates, Local 11 is proposing that employers offer permanent jobs to workers brought in as replacements during the strike, in addition to improved wages and benefits plans. The union is also advocating for legislative measures to address the housing crisis in the area and improve the living conditions of workers.
In a further turn of events, employers have retaliated by filing a ULP against Local 11. They allege that the union bargained in bad faith, further fueling the already tense situation.
This conflict between Instawork, Laguna Cliffs Resort, and the UNITE HERE Local 11 union sheds light on the power dynamics and challenges faced by temporary workers in the hospitality industry. With both sides fiercely fighting for their respective rights and demands, it remains to be seen how this dispute will ultimately be resolved.
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