Boycott Hyatt Hotels

Three Hyatt hotels in Boston used to pay their housekeeping staff over $15 an hour plus benefits and health insurance. Last month, after telling them they were training holiday fill-in staff, the hotels laid off their entire housekeeping staff (196 people) and outsourced duties to an outside firm which pays its employees $8 an hour (with no benefits).

In a statement issued by a Hyatt representative, it was reported that "Hyatt is committed to treating our employees with honesty and respect." This action was neither honest nor respectful!

I do understand that the current economic times sometimes call for "budget adjustments" but, surely, another more humane solution could have been found. No other hotel chain in the Boston area has found it necessary to take this drastic step.

Former employees, interviewed on local television, stated that, if given the opportunity, they would have taken a pay cut in order to keep their jobs.

Hyatt has declined to say whether they are considering similar moves in other locations across the country.

Local politicians have called for a boycott of Hyatt hotels throughout the country. I'm just one voice, but I support this action fully. And, with the support of others, we can send a clear message to corporate America that this type of "adjustment" is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.