Somos Un Pueblo Unido Protecting Immigrants' Rights in New Mexico

Somos Un Pueblo Unido 1205 Parkway Dr, Suite B Sante Fe, NM   87507   telephone: 505-424-7832 fax: 505-438-8518 email: somos@rt66.com

PRESS RELEASE September 23, 2008

Contact:   Marcela Díaz, Norma Moreno

Santa Fe — Today fourteen former housekeepers announced they reached a settlement with the Santa Fe Hilton in which the hotel agreed to compensate them a total of $32,000 in back pay and post a bilingual notice explaining to current employees their rights to organize for improved working conditions.

The ex-employees asked the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to intervene when they were terminated on March 17th after complaining about an unreasonable workload and unsafe working conditions.

After a one-month investigation, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region 28 found sufficient evidence to file a formal complaint against the hotel for appearing to engage in unfair labor practices as set forth in the National Labor Relations Act. The NLRB's complaint alleged that the Hilton illegally terminated the workers for engaging in protected concerted activity.

A trial hearing was set for September 23rd, but the former housekeepers announced today that a settlement had been reached out of court.

"My coworkers and I are very happy about the outcome of the NLRB process. Our effort has shown that when workers get together, we can make a change." said Mirna Zaldaña in a statement on Tuesday. "We were finally heard and justice was done. We are no longer invisible." In the formal charge issued by the NLRB (Region 28) on June 11, 2008 against the hotel, the federal agency was also seeking reinstatement of the workers, but in lieu of their jobs, the former housekeepers reached a separate settlement with the Hilton, the financial terms of which remain confidential.

"The NLRB process is a long and tedious one for workers, but these women demonstrated great determination in seeing this complaint through," stated Rayos Burciaga, a Somos Un Pueblo Unido Board member. "We think this settlement is a significant step for workers' rights in Santa Fe, particularly for those in the hospitality industry who do not enjoy the protection of a union. We hope the housekeepers' story will raise awareness about workplace conditions in our city and inspire others to stand up for their rights."