Public hearing, 4 pm at One Judiciary Square, 441 4th
Street NW in Council Chamber, on the "Labor Peace
Bill," which Local 25 of the Hotel & Restaurant
Employees Union drafted with members of DC Council.
Bill 14-7, the "District Hotel Development Projects
Labor Peace Agreement Act 2001," requires hotel
developers who want assistance from DC to sign a
"labor peace" agreement which says they will allow the
workers to organize. Local 25 says, "The coalition to
pass Bill 14-7 stands firm in its belief -- if [DC] is
going to provide any subsidy, whether regulatory
relief or financial assistance, to any hotel
developer, the District must take into account the
unforeseen costs of development. For years, the
District has subsidized development, and our only
reciprocity has been low-wage, low-benefit jobs with a
vague promise that the citizens of the District will
hold these jobs. The taxpayers of the District
deserve more. A living wage and family-sustaining
benefits should be key to any agreement the District
signs with a developer." Council member Phil
Mendelson (Subcommittee on Labor, Voting Rights and
Redistricting) will chair. Supporters are encouraged
to pack the hearing and tell Council the bill is
supported by DC residents. More information, or if
you want to testify: contact Kristen Arant,
<ramgirl75@hotmail.com>, (202) 639-5699.