Your attendees deserve the best. So don’t risk it.

Avoid Hyatt.

Hyatt has established itself as the worst employer in the industry, prompting protests nationwide that have been known to create problems for events and attendees. Furthermore, thousands around the country have pledged to honor the boycott and would refuse to attend an event held at a Hyatt—women’s groups, academics, elected officials, Jewish and other faith leaders, medical professionals, and nonprofit organizations are just some of the communities that have pledged support.

Beyond Striking: How Labor Disputes Can Impact Your Event

Hyatt workers in several cities around the country have gone on strike multiple times—including for an entire week in September 2011—but the Hyatt labor dispute has also gone beyond formally declared strikes. Picket lines of hotels to urge a boycott can (and often do) happen without a strike or lockout. These actions can dramatically affect the quality of service, and can create an uncomfortable atmosphere for guests and attendees.

Often, having an event in the middle of a labor dispute will adversely affect attendance.

Can the hotel guarantee consistent service?

In a letter to guests from the Hyatt Regency Chicago management in May 2010, the hotel apologized for these service cutbacks due to a worker walk-out—full service housekeeping and room service were both unavailable, guest traffic was restricted to one entrance, and three restaurants were closed.

The best protection for your event is avoiding Hyatt. But other venues have labor disputes too.

Top Six Tips For Avoiding A Hotel Labor Dispute

Avoid Hyatt.
Use the Union Hotel Guide to see which hotels in the U.S. and Canada are free of dispute.
Protect your clients by insisting on the strongest possible contract language for your group. Many are now using new contractual language that addresses the full range of labor dispute possibilities, and indemnifies groups for meeting cancellations caused by labor disputes. With the right language, such as strong “force majeure” or “excused non-performance” clauses, you should be able to cancel your meeting contract without penalty in the event of a labor dispute. Without the right language, customers have been held hostage by Hyatt.
Do a thorough internet search on the property you are considering. Try combinations like “Hotel name labor dispute boycott strike” or “Hotel name picket lines protests union.”
Feel free to contact our capable staff through our Customer Outreach Hotline at 312-986-3947 x249. You can also email customeroutreach@hyatthurts.org.
Consult or join the Informed Meetings Exchange—INMEX—for assurance that your meetings happen with socially responsible companies that are free of dispute. INMEX clients can choose from a wide variety of services including site selection, housing services, contract negotiation, or convention management.