Hotel threatens worker's evidence

Date: 25 May 2003

A prominent Sydney Hotel has used economic blackmail to stop a low wage worker from taking part in Australia's democratic life.

MEDIA ALERT

Senate Inquiry into Poverty LHMU appearance

Time: 10.30 am

Date: Monday May 26, 2003

Place: Room 507, Sydney Masonic Centre, Cnr Castlereagh St and Goulburn St

" This shows an extraordinary contempt towards the democratic life of Australia. And the right of all Australians to speak out about their concerns," Mark Boyd, LHMU Hotel Union, NSW Assistant Secretary, said.

" The 445 room Avillion Hotel has threatened the union, and our member, for wanting to take the time to appear on Monday before the Senate Inquiry hearings.

The LHMU member was to have appeared before the Senate Inquiry into Poverty hearing in Sydney tomorrow (Monday May 26) at 10.30 am at the Sydney Masonic Centre.

" There is much community disquiet and debate about excessive wages paid to top managers and executives.

" This hotel has effectively denied a low-waged worker the right to give an alternative view in this debate.

" The LHMU will raise this extraordinary intervention with the Senators during the Inquiry hearings, and will ask the Senate whether this can be considered a contempt of parliament and our democratic processes."

The LHMU National Secretary, Jeff Lawrence, will speak to the union's submission at the Senate Inquiry and will be accompanied by several LHMU members who will give personal testimonies.

" Our members will challenge the Senate Inquiry to act now to help our nation return to its traditions of a fair-go society," Mark Boyd said.

" We must bring a halt to the trend of growing wage disparities," Mark Boyd said.

The 130,000 member LHMU has a proud nearly century-old history as the voice of some of the lowest-paid workers in Australia.

These LHMU members - who are mainly women and often from immigrant backgrounds - work in the hospitality industry, aged care, child care, cleaning, catering, ancillary health work, and security services; some of the country's fastest-growing service industries.

The LHMU proudly represents around 130,000 hard working women and men throughout Australia

For further info:

Mark Boyd, LHMU Hotel Union NSW Assistant Secretary, 0425 214 755

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