SF mayor vows to join picket lines if hotels don't end lockout

[Kadie]

SF mayor vows to join picket lines if hotels don't end lockout

By LISA LEFF, Associated Press Writer


Last Updated: October 25, 2004, 07:10:16 PM PDT


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom warned Monday that if the hotels at the center of a nearly monthlong labor dispute don't agree to end a union lockout by Tuesday afternoon, he will join workers on the picket line, call for a boycott of the 14 facilities and urge other mayors to play hardball with the properties' corporate owners.

Newsom, who previously had sought to appear neutral in the work stoppage that started Sept. 29 when the union that represents room cleaners, cooks, bellmen and other workers called a two-week strike at four hotels, said that if the lockout at those venues and 10 others goes beyond a second week, he wouldn't hesitate to choose sides.

"If the lockout does not end, the hotels know where I am going to position myself, not as an advocate, but as an exceedingly strong advocate for the people out there on the lines, in the rain, through the holidays, who are the pawns in this," Newsom said. "I'm a free market, pro-business Democrat and I'm trying to be fair here, but my city's being tarnished and these workers are being hurt."

more...
http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/9332718p-10239406c.html

[PartyPooper]

1. I crossed these lines a couple of weeks ago as I entered the Fairmont.

It was very noisey. But, I was escorting my sister who was employed as a nanny by an agency for guests of the hotel.

We parked in front of the hotel and walked in. All was normal in the lobby whilst there was such commotion outside the front door.

BTW, I parked right in front...in San Francisco...Can you believe it?

:evilgrin:

[mike_c]

2. go Gavin....

This is the kind of Democrat America needs more of! I was a stong Gonzalez supporter (but not an SF voter), but let me be among the first to say that Gavin Newsom has proven himself MUCH more than a corporate tool rich-kid democrat. This is one plate of crow that I'm glad to eat. Gavin Newsome is a Democrat mayor we can all be proud of!

:toast:

[LeftCoast]

8. Ditto! Gonzalez voter here...If Newsom keeps this up he'll earn my vote

So far, I'm very pleasantly surprised by our Gavin. :)

[marlakay]

3. They are making a lot of noise outside very fancy hotels

we saw it when we went to dinner a few weeks ago and this weekend when we went on our run against bush. I gave them the thumbs up sign, my husband works for a strong union in the bay area (BART) and this summer they have their 4 year contract coming up. First one after 9-11 and its going to be a big fight we already know.

[burrowowl]

4. Now that is a Mayor!

Go Newsom!

[mbperrin]

5. Gosh, a pol who values people over companies!

I think I may faint!

[RevolutionStartsNow]

6. Gavin Newsom!

This guy is something else. I know a lot of SF lefties were turned off by him in the election, with Camejo in the race and Newsom being such a "suit", but he has been a great mayor so far. Brave and outspoken and much less a "politician" than Willie Brown.

I love that he's offering to join the picket lines.

As Steve Earle said in SF earlier this month, the service workers are the last workers that Bush hasn't figured out how to outsource.

[proud patriot]

7. Right On Mr Mayor

:D

[Robbie67]

9. Gotta give my Mayor some credit.

Right on, Newsome! :bounce: