Oscar Orellana, 30, paused within the shade of the InterContinental and waved again at one of many drivers who honked whereas passing by.
For six years, Mr. Orellana has labored within the housekeeping division on the lodge, the place he ensures that linens are stocked on every ground. His dad and mom, too, lengthy labored in lodge housekeeping; his father was picketing at a close-by Ritz-Carlton, he stated.
“I used to see my dad and mom, and so they cherished their job, which made me wish to go into the lodge world, and I really like my job,” he stated. However his three-hour round-trip commute from Lengthy Seashore, about 25 miles away, alongside along with his heavier workload and the lack to comfortably afford an occasional candy deal with for his 4-year-old, has made it “not possible for us to be in there working — that’s why we’re out right here hanging,” he stated.
To the west, on the upscale Fairmont Miramar Resort & Bungalows in Santa Monica, dozens of employees picketed outdoors the manicured flowering hedges lining the property. A number of friends stated the lodge gave the impression to be operating properly total, however they have been annoyed by small inconveniences — like a scarcity of unpolluted towels — at such a dear property. Additionally they felt caught in an ungainly social place throughout a time once they simply wished to chill out.
“I’m a union employee, so I can sympathize in the event that they’re not getting paid honest wages,” stated John Smith, 38, who was visiting along with his spouse from San Bernardino.