Hilton hotel re-born

Date: 14 March 2005

For many LHMU Hotel Union members the reopening of the Sydney Hilton Hotel later this year will be a cause for celebration.

An aging hotel on one of Sydney's most prominent streets has been fully renovated in a $400 million top-to-bottom makeover - and the workers from the old hotel, who once stood to lose their jobs, are being asked to come back to their jobs.

The Sydney Hilton Hotel sparked a celebrated industrial battle when it shut down more than two years ago.

The LHMU Hotel Union ran a successful campaign to defend union members entitlements and win extra pay for the displaced workers.

More importantly the LHMU Hotel Union won a promise from the hotel that the nearly 500 workers they were sacking would get the first bite at any jobs when the new hotel re-opened.

" As far as we're concerned the Hilton group have stuck by the commitments that our members won two years ago.

" We're satisfied that the hotel has kept up its end of the bargain," Mark Boyd, LHMU Hotel Union NSW Assistant Secretary said.

The first day of interviews for the jobs at the Hilton begin today ( Monday), with interviews stretched out till the end of the month. Mark Boyd said he expects the Hilton Hotel management will want to create an outstanding agreement with the LHMU Hotel Union, so as to attract and keep the best workforce.

" Meanwhile members are pleased that the red carpet has been thrown out for them to get back their jobs - this is a good example of ethical employment policies.

" This hotel can provide good jobs for our people. Our members - many of whom worked here for decades - just loved the atmosphere and the people who visited the Sydney Hilton.

" I am confident that many of our people will want to return because they know that in a unionised hotel we will all have better job security, great career opportunities; union members always have higher pay and benefits," Mark Boyd said.

" LHMU Hotel Union members are committed to making the re-furbished Hilton a top rated hotel.

" Our members look forward to setting new standards for the hotel industry, and its workforce.

" The new Hilton hotel can be a shining example of how good working conditions can be created," Mark Boyd concluded.

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

For more info:

Mark Boyd, LHMU Hotel Union NSW Assistant Secretary,

8204 7245 or 0425 214 755

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	8204 7206
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au/

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