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 resort, the place he ensures that linens are stocked on every ground. His mother and father, too, lengthy labored in resort housekeeping; his father was picketing at a close-by Ritz-Carlton, he stated.
“I used to see my mother and father, they usually beloved their job, which made me need to go into the resort world, and I like my job,” he stated. However his three-hour round-trip commute from Lengthy Seashore, about 25 miles away, alongside together 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 Lodge & Bungalows in Santa Monica, dozens of staff picketed exterior the manicured flowering hedges lining the property. A couple of company stated the resort appeared to be operating properly general, however they had been annoyed by small inconveniences — like a scarcity of fresh towels — at such a dear property. Additionally they felt caught in an ungainly social place throughout a time after they simply wished to chill out.
“I’m a union employee, so I can sympathize in the event that they’re not getting paid truthful wages,” stated John Smith, 38, who was visiting together with his spouse from San Bernardino.