UniteHere makin’ it happen. So brave! (Taken with instagram)

EDIT: Well, geez, iPhone won’t let me put up caption or tags. So here’s the story: 21 July, there was a Rally for Justice on behalf of Hyatt workers across America. I think several cities held their own rallies. Here in San Antonio we gathered at the Grand Hyatt on Market Street to protest the abuse and exploitation of our housekeepers. There was a great turnout and, huge surprise, they took it to the next level by blocking off traffic on Market Street (rush hour, mind you). They held hands and sat right in the street for a good 10 minutes before being arrested. Two of my buddies were sitting there and I couldn’t be more proud of the stand they took. Hopefully, this will bring awareness to the plight that many hotel workers, especially housekeepers, are in. Did I mention it was a good 100 degrees? That asphalt was hot!

Taken with instagram

EDIT: Well, geez, iPhone won’t let me put up caption or tags. So here’s the story: 21 July, there was a Rally for Justice on behalf of Hyatt workers across America. I think several cities held their own rallies. Here in San Antonio we gathered at the Grand Hyatt on Market Street to protest the abuse and exploitation of our housekeepers. There was a great turnout and, huge surprise, they took it to the next level by blocking off traffic on Market Street (rush hour, mind you). They held hands and sat right in the street for a good 10 minutes before being arrested. Two of my buddies were sitting there and I couldn’t be more proud of the stand they took. Hopefully, this will bring awareness to the plight that many hotel workers, especially housekeepers, are in. Did I mention it was a good 100 degrees? That asphalt was hot!

I forgot to post photos of the National Day of Action from last week but I wasn’t too proud of the photos. My SD card kept giving me trouble, so these are cheapo iPhone photos. But I thought I’d share because I’m headed to a rally for the immigration issue tonight. Sort of a solidarity movement. I have very mixed feelings about it. I grew up in San Antonio and had friends who’s parents came from Mexico. Many illegally. I’ve worked with them before. I want them to have a better life here in the US (whatever that may mean), but I’d also like them to be here the right way. But I know in most cases that’s very difficult.

I think we need immigration laws but we need the kind that works. And we definitely need the kind that doesn’t discriminate against American citizens or our Mexican visitors. 

Anyway, here is a line-up of just a few photos from that other action a week ago.

Here’s the Hope Quilt. We walked several blocks from the Grand Hyatt to City Hall, taking up streets, passing other hotels, and showing tourists (in this very touristy city) that all is not well in SA. Forget the Alamo, Remember the rights of the people!

A little late on the photo uploads but oh well. On Thursday, October 15, I participated in a rally and march to City Hall. We carried the Hope Quilt which tells the stories of pain and injury hotel workers endure everyday just to provide for their families. As the quilt travels from city to city, each housekeeper adds a new patch to the quilt. There was an excellent turn-out and they really laid into Mayor Castro during the Citizens to Be Heard portion of the City Council Meeting that Thursday. So awesome!