Hotel Workers Plan Picket During Rose Parade

According to a published report, a spokesperson for a union representing local hotel workers said the group is planning to picket the Rose Parade to turn up the heat on hotels in Pasadena that are without contracts.

According to the Los Angeles Times, eight hotels, including the Hilton Pasadena, that Aimbridge Hospitality operates are in talks with UNITE HERE Local 11.

In October, Unite Here Local 11 alleged that the company hired homeless migrants to replace striking workers.

Last week, the Critics Choice Awards announced it was moving the event from the Fairmont Century Plaza to the Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar due to the ongoing dispute. 

As of Friday, 24 hotels across the region have come to an agreement, but according to the group the Pasadena hotels have not reached an agreement. 

The group applauded the hotels that reached a settlement, but said they were willing to go further in regards to the Pasadena hotels. 

“If they want to prolong this dispute, we have no choice but to strike during the Rose Bowl festivities,” said Unite Here Local 11 Co-President Kurt Petersen.

Last week, hundreds of hotel workers from Pasadena, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, Century Blvd near LAX and Pasadena walked out on strike demanding that employer, Aimbridge Hospitality, and its private equity owner Advent International agree to a new standard-setting contract.

Unite Here Local 11 spokesperson Maria Hernandez said the new contract includes an increase in wages and stronger pensions.

Hernandez did not return calls for comment.

“We have been and will continue to work with the unions on safe and lawful ways in which they can express their rights to free speech and demonstrations,” said Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian.  “Public safety is our priority and it’s our obligation to protect the health and safety and well-being of our community. We plan for all types of events that could occur during the Parade/Game and are prepared to address potential scenarios. We hope any groups who have negative intent understand and respect the law and allow for an enjoyable experience for the thousands of visitors who are in town.”

Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris said last Thursday that the police department and local, state and federal partners are prepared to handle any protests that could disrupt the Tournament of Roses Parade or Rose Bowl Game.

“We are prepared for it,” Harris told reporters assembled on the lawn at the Tournament House. “We prepare for the worst, expect the best. That is the way we’re going to approach it.”

On Wednesday protesters calling for a lasting Israel-Hamas War ceasefire in Gaza temporarily shut down the 110 Freeway.