Latest Salvo Fired in Labor Dispute at New Otani Hotel

Nine New Otani Hotel workers, flanked by representatives of Japanese American community organizations, on Wednesday publicly sided with management in the prolonged labor dispute at the Little Tokyo hotel.

Local 11 of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union, which is attempting to organize the nearly 300 workers at the New Otani, has been campaigning to be recognized by hotel management based on signatures collected from workers, rather than a secret ballot election under the auspices of the National Labor Relations Board.

In a news conference at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, the nine workers and Japanese American representatives said the union should allow workers to vote by secret ballot rather than demanding immediate union recognition from the hotel.

Secret ballot elections under the NLRB determine most union organizing campaigns. But some labor activists--including Local 11 in this case--believe this process is too lengthy and allows management to intimidate workers or appeal the results for years.

A landmark Little Tokyo hotel, the New Otani has been embroiled in a nearly four-year labor dispute. Local 11 has charged that the hotel engages in anti-union activities, harassing employees and even firing three housekeepers for being pro-union.