Hotel Workers Targeted Buy Not Intimidated

We have already reported (see below) that that Emily Tang has been targeted by the Company for her links to 'an external group'. The threat of reprisal has not stopped Emily. Now, as he campaigns for the right to return to work after being injured on the job, Pedro Vanegas has been hit with an ugly attempt to scare him off.

On July 27, a daily picket of the the Hotel by supporters was underway to demand Pedro's return. He was not part of the action but was standing across the street. Hotel security boss, John Bond, pointed him out to cops and they promptly surrounded him. Workers. supporters immediately went over and were told that an 'investigation of the criminal complaint' was underway. Pedro's level headed and firm response to the situation and the presence of his friends convinced the cops not to press the matter and he was allowed to leave.

The nature of the 'criminal complaint' involved here is interesting. A couple of days before, Pedro had been walking down the street when he happened to come face to face with one of the Hotel's union stewards. This individual is particularly close to management and the HERE leadership. This person made an obscene gesture at Pedro and walked on and then, it now becomes clear, went to the police to allege that a threat had been made.

This false allegation against Pedro serves only the interests of hotel management and is utterly despicable. However, Pedro and his supporters are only made more determined by such tactics. The Metropolitan and its friends will not shut us down with intimidation. Only a serious response to the workers' grievances will solve the problem. Sooner or later, Henry Wu and his managers will face that reality. Until then, the fight will only escalate.

See also previous reports:
Report #1: EMILY TANG STILL UNDER THREAT BUT SUPPORTERS ARE READY TO ACT
Report #2 - HOTEL WORKER ACTIVIST TARGETED FOR VICTIMIZATION

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e-mail: justice@metropolitanhotelsworkers.org
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