Local 2 is signing up workers for reopened hotels

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As San Francisco signs up more hotels to provide shelter for vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis, Local 2 has been working to make sure that hotel employees are properly protected and that they and their families receive good quality health care. This goes for all hotel workers – whether or not they are in a union hotel.  The union may call you in the coming days about this, but if you haven’t already, make sure you visit www.unitehere2.org/jobs to learn more and to sign up.

Chase Center workers press Warriors to do right by their food workers

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When basketball season was cancelled, food workers at SF’s new basketball arena — like so many other hospitality workers — got left behind. For the last 3 weeks, they’ve been pushing to remind the Warriors that, without them, the Chase Center isn’t much of an Experience. Read more on KQED’s website.

Google cafeteria workers join Local 2

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Welcome to the newest members of Local 2! Workers at Google’s employee cafeteria in San Bruno organized into the union last week — reminding us all that, no matter how hard things get, we can always work together to build a better tomorrow.

Compromise reached in Congress

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The labor movement won some of its big demands in Congress, which passed a law that gives most workers up to $1200, plus an extra $600 per week in unemployment benefits if you are laid off (this will last four months). But Donald Trump and the Republicans gave corporations huge bailouts too, and stopped us from making sure workers keep their health care during layoffs. We’ll have more information here soon.

PBS News Hour interviewed Local 2 member Larrilou Carumba

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Larrilou told the nationwide news show about how hard it is living with the fear of coronavirus but also about not knowing when we might get back to work.

Senators Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris ask people to help UNITE HERE

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Both senators sent messages out to their supporters urging them to support UNITE HERE by donating to the union’s relief funds, which are being used to help the hardest hit people in our industries.

Congress debates a bill – our union fights to make sure workers get help

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The US Congress is considering a new law that might help working families hurt by the coronavirus layoffs and cutbacks. The law passed the Senate yesterday, but the union is still fighting to make sure that the bill helps workers first. We want to make sure that workers can keep their health care secure, even if this crisis keeps going. We also want to make sure that if the government bails out corporations, that money has to go to workers and their families – not rich investors. Of course, Donald Trump has different ideas. Thanks to all the UNITE HERE members who called their congresspeople.

SF hires first hotels to help fight against coronavirus – Local 2 reaches agreement

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The City and County of San Francisco has contracted with the first hotels to provide a safe place for vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis. As part of the deal, Local 2 has reached an agreement with the Americania Hotel and the Good Hotel to make sure that workers can return to work in a safe environment. We expect many more hotels to follow. We will be reaching out to Local 2 members in the coming days to make sure they know about these opportunities, but if you have any questions, please call your union rep.

Chronicle covers SFO airport workers facing layoffs

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The SF Chronicle ran a story about Local 2 and other union workers at the airport. They interviewed Pearl Li, who talked about how she has to buy her own masks from friends in China to feel safe working at Gate Gourmet. Airline kitchen workers continue to work during this pandemic, even though their employers – Gate Gourmet, Sky Chefs, and Flying Foods Group – don’t provide them with health care benefits they can afford. This makes it even harder to know if they have coronavirus or get the care they need, which is why kitchen employees leafleted their workplace today.

San Francisco health care benefits secure until July 31

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Members who get health care through the union’s San Francisco fund will have coverage extended through July 31, regardless of how many hours you work. If you were eligible any month between October 2019 and March 2020, you can receive coverage for March through July. If you work at the Giants’ Oracle Park, and you received health benefits in any two months during last year’s baseball season, you are also eligible. If you’re not enrolled in benefits right now, please call the Fund office at 415-777-3707.  If you work somewhere that provides health coverage through a different plan (Marriott Marquis, Virgin, Via, etc.) call your union rep.  Workers in the San Mateo fund also have coverage extended through July 31.