L.A. Hotel Workers

* Mike Davis’ column (“Trying to Build a Union Movement in Los Angeles,” Opinion, March 20) is a gross misrepresentation of the hotel industry and should offend all of the Los Angeles hospitality workers in general.

The author suggests the entire hotel industry mistreats and exploits its employees. He is clearly wrong about the cleaning standards quoted in his article. As in all industries, there are unfortunate abuses of employees, including white-collar. However, Davis’ liberal misuse and distortion of the hospitality industry are upsetting for those of us who genuinely care of our employees and work hard to keep them fully (and fairly) employed. Davis conveniently omits from his shoddy article the value of the benefits of meals, tips, lodging discounts and health-medical coverage typically provided to our employees, both non-union and union. The author unfairly suggests that our industry openly promotes sweatshop conditions. How many hotels has Davis ever worked in? How many hotels did David research for his article? How many employees is Davis responsible for?

The author’s suggestion that Local 11 efforts are economically justified only reflects Davis’ lack of the facts surrounding the Los Angeles lodging industry and poorly reflects on his credibility. There are always exceptions and exploitation of employees is unacceptable for any industry. However, to actively disrupt our fragile tourist/convention industry will clearly backfire: Unions are not held in esteem around the country; they have consistently failed for the employee and benefited only the union officials. The only accomplishment from Local 11’s advertised activities will be to further reflect the silly attitude of the union. And, once again, it is the union employee who loses.

I would strongly advise Davis to get facts and properly research for future articles regarding the hotel industry. Tourism is way too important (and sophisticated) to Los Angeles to be sidetracked by amateur journalists such as Davis.

R. BRITTON COLBERT

Los Angeles