Union Harassment

May 6, 2002

Dear Editor,

I am an employee of the Double Tree Guest Suites in Santa Monica. As a concerned community member it is my duty to point out the truth of what is really going on. The few employees that support the union are the laziest and most unpleasant people to work with.

I am sick of hearing about Elba Hernandez (Doubletree Reinstates Union Organizer," April 30). When I see that Elba drives the most expensive car in the employee parking area, I ask myself how could such a "poor woman" afford such luxuries?

If she can afford such a car, then she can certainly afford the health insurance that has been out of her reach for so long. In response to Abby Arnold's quote: "An attack on Elba is an attack on the entire community," Elba isn't even a resident of Santa Monica! If she doesn't like her job she is free to quit or find somewhere else to work.

The union's main tactics are harassment and intimidation.

Representatives go to people's homes, wait for them to arrive from work, and proceed to recite propaganda even after they are asked to leave. This cycle is continuing in hopes that employees will be sick of the visits and finally give in. I have been told that some people receive visits as late as ten o'clock at night. It makes me very angry that my coworkers cannot enjoy their time at home peacefully after a day of demanding work.

I found the protest by students of Santa Monica High School utterly disgusting. Is that the best the union can do? It is totally inappropriate to use the name of the great man Caesar Chavez as an excuse for the union to manipulate students. We are professionals at what we do, not misused migrant farm workers.

The hotel provides a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about the hospitality industry. It would be a great loss if students no longer have a first hand view on how to run a business. If the district has a problem with the hotel, it should be settled privately and professionally.

Sincerely,
Eduardo G. Simonsen
Front Office Clerk at the Double Tree Guest Suites Santa Monica