Workers: Heat Lamps Shined On Hyatt Hotel Picket Line

July 21, 2011 11:02 AM

Workers demonstrate in front of the Park Hyatt Hotel Thursday. (Credit: CBS)

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Business, Heard on WBBM 780, Local, News, Syndicated Local

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Heat Lamps, Hyatt hotel, Mike Krauser, Picket Line, workers

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CHICAGO (CBS) — Union workers say someone turned on the heat lamps in blazing hot broad daylight Thursday, as they walked a picket line in front of the Park Hyatt Hotel.

As WBBM Newsradio 780’s Mike Krauser reports, workers at Hyatt Hotels in nine cities are walking picket lines Thursday, trying to pressure the hotel into coming to an agreement on a new contract.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s Mike Krauser reports

The Park Hyatt at 800 N. Michigan Ave. was among the hotels where picketing was held, and at some point Thursday morning, someone turned on the outdoor heat lamps that are usually used in winter.

Combined with the outdoor air temperature, Linda Long says it was hotter than the Hyatt kitchen she’s worked in for eleven years.

“They put the heat lamps on us, like we were nothing,” Long said. “If the heat didn’t kill us, the heat lamps would.”

The heat lamps were turned off when the press showed up.

Gabriel Carrasquillo has been a server at Nomi Restaurant the Hyatt for five years. He says this is about subcontracting and farming out their jobs to cheaper workers.

“They’re telling us they’re meeting our needs for health insurance and salaries, but if we don’t have a job, it doesn’t matter how much they’re paying,” Carrasquillo said. “That’s why we’re still fighting.”

The union says the Boston Hyatt replaced 100 housekeepers with temps making minimum wage. That, they say, is what they’re fighting.

Workers: Heat Lamps Shined On Hyatt Hotel Picket Line

Max WorksforLowWages

Riiiight. Slave owner… Those slaves should be happy I am letting them work for low wages!!! I am the slave master!! Lol… Fat white guy typing his delusional thoughts on the computer screen.

ChicagoCitizen

@Delusional white guy, I agree, there are alot of people without jobs in this economy.
Union Worker

IDIOT – go play in a sprinkler
Great ABE Lincoln

Again another stupid stupid comment left by just another bigot who has nothing better to do in like but to stir the senses of decent individuals. Its a wonder that you have time in your busy life to see reality. We are in a society and a country that allows freedoms like this. Wake up.. if you dont like seeing this move to a third world country. Take a holiday in Cambodia.. they would love to have you on board.
I care u should too

Sounds like Eric from HR…hmmm!

Union thugs

Mental note, book Hyatt in all of my future trips. Kudos for not giving in to worthless unions.

Average Guy

Note to self, never book at any Hyatt Hotels in the future. I thought the Pritzker’s had class?
WORSHIPCORPORATERCORPORATEMASTERS

HOW DARE THEY ASSEMBLE WITHOUT THE EXPECTATION THAT THERE LIVES WILL BE PUT AT RISK!! WE SHOULD KILL ALL UNION THUGS!! MAYBE THE CEOS WILL LET A FEW DOLLAR TRICKLE DOWN ONTO OUR FACES!!!

I HATE THE WEEKENDS, OFF DAYS, SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENTS, THE RIGHT TO BARGAIN WITH MY COWORKERS BUT MOST OF ALL I HATE WAGES THAT ALLOW A PERSON TO BE ABLE TO FEED HIS/HER CHILDREN AND BE ABLE TO PROVIDE SHELTER!

James

@Worship, I agree completely, excellent post !!!
Bill T.

@Worship, I agree completely. Excellent post.

Average Guy

You’re an IDIOT! More than half of these people are immigrants from countries other than Mexico. A great amount of these unionists are from Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia. You want to send them back also?

We the people … for the PEOPLE

This is for the Biggot — Unions=Socialism

Average guy is not an idiot — but you are a RACIST and a BIGGOT~ What the hell is the matter with you? Do you not know where you are? This is the USA PAL and we can exercise our Constitutional rights!

What is wrong with you? Do you get your jollies from seeing others suffer and then make comments to see what kind of reaction others have?

You obviously should be living in a country that likes to make their workers slaves… in the USA we dont fly that way–

Well pall sew the holes back in your white Hyatt Sheets and get back to your Hyatt desk where you are a manager because obviously you were the one who turned the heat lamps on.
Steve

This is funny because we are a nation of immigrants. Some idiot probably said something similar about your ancestors you dolt.

Albert Hess

An illegal alien is not an immigrant, Steve.

Unions = Socialism

This was meant to be a sob story towards the idiots picketing. Instead, I am laughing at them. Kudos to Hyatt. Unions are a primary reason that costs for many services increase. Wages and jobs should never be guaranteed. Doing so encourages workers to never strive to do better. Why should anyone work hard if they are going to be rewarded with a raise and not be fired anyways? Nobody is entitled to a job. If they don’t like their jobs, they should join the real world with the rest of us and look for new ones. Of course, all of the sheep who voted for Obama and Rahm will disagree with me.

bsmechanic

Hyatt heiress Penny Sue Pritzker is the finance chair of President Obama’s reelection campaign; Rahm Emanuel has also appointed her to the Chicago school board.

Baa.

Jason Gooljar

I wholeheartedly support unions because you fools who scream union thugs are cowards. All of you who have commented here I personally question your manhood or womanhood.

You can hate unions all you want but guess what? People will organize no matter what. You can kill the union but people will form groups to agitate for their best interests. So take that.

Angela

@Jason, I think the point here is, these people want more money than what an unskilled job is worth. Nobody should make $20 an hour to be a maid.

Tyler

Why not? They’re sure as hell doing more work than many people who sit in an office all day. Why are they not entitled to a living wage just because they do physical work instead of manipulating money or something all day?

You shouldn’t be attacking union employees for being overpaid, you should be attacking the corporations that have made it the norm for non-union employees to be underpaid. Of course, this is America, and everyone finds it easier to drag people down to their level than to bring everyone up. Good job playing right into the hands of the people who care about you the least.
Max

People should make whatever they can make. If someone figures out a way to make 20 bucks an hour as a maid, more power to them. That’s the free market, right?
Mark Kleba

Angela just as no one should make over 2500,000 a year to be an executive.?

steve

This is funny because we are a nation of immigrants. Some idiot probably said something similar about your ancestors you dolt. Your racism is disgusting, comments like that bring shame to our nation. Bigotry is unAmerican.

steve

Yes, because all European immigrants who immigrated to United States followed “proper procedures”. You do realize that there are illegal European immigrants in the United States right now don’t you? Your argument is non-sensical and illogical.

You have no idea if these Union members are illegal. In fact, you demean people that are trying to work for a living. The members of this union include cooks, housekeepers, concierges and security guards. You categorize all these people as “illegal immigrants” because you cannot look outside of your closed minded conservative world view.

The rest of your argument is a simple straw man. Try to suger coat it all you want, you are nothing more than a bigoted individual spouting an ignorant (at best) opinion.
Tyler

Mexico is a garbage dump for a whole number of reasons, but none of them are “it’s full of Mexicans”. You seem to be under the impression they are literally a lesser type of human being compared to a white American, and I think that’s enough for me to support Steve’s conclusion that you’re a repugnant racist pig. Congrats on your spectacular ignorance, I hope it gets you far in life.

Alberto Gonzales Hernandez Tostito

@Tyler, Whoever told you this about Mexico, was absolutely correct. Mexicans are fully responsible for the present state of their sorry country. They are now trying to suck this country dry as they have their own. If things keep going like they are, America will be a predominately Mexican country. They multiply like rabbits, it’s similar to a massive rodent infestation, and we all know how to handle that.
JC

Great gravy, prejudiced much? Go read a book, fake Mexican.
Enrico Martinez Sanchito

@Alberto, Excellent post, even the most stupid of the illegal lovers should be able to comprehend that. Time to call Orkin (INS).

Concerned Citizen

Whoever ordered these lamps to be put on should be arrested for Reckless Endangerment.

“Reckless endangerment: A person commits the crime of reckless endangerment if the person recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. ”

Call Hyatt and let them know they you will not stand for Union intimidation. Union Busting is illegal and UnAmerican.

312-750-1234

Great ABE Lincoln

This Message is for Connie

You commend the endangering of others lives? What is wrong with you? It is not about hurting people– we are Americans!! We have a right to freedom of speech, We have a right to assemble to hear an argument! We have constitutional rights that obviously you are not aware of as- you mind cannot understand. Get a life Connie you certainly have complaints that are way out of this ballpark.It does not matter why or who is picketing they have a right to and your comments so me that you lack the intelligence to even understand constitutional rights.
Connie

@ABE, My point was, they could have walked away as soon as the lamps came on. You talk like they had to stand there and bake. I also stand by the rest of my comment. I support all of our constitution. Don’t forget, illegal aliens have no American constitutional rights.

Great ABE Lincoln

To Connie

Imagine falling down and having someone like Connie come by and make a comment like” LOOK that person is in the way”and then Connie Steps on that person instead of walking away or even helping them! That is what your attitude and comment is like. Surely you have some compassion ICE LADY?
Connie

@ABE, I don’t know where you got all that from, I just don’t approve of Mexicans coming to this country illegally. They suck off our resources and contribute very little. The mere presence of these illegals in a community, drops property values.
lolconnie

Yes, actually they do. You’d know that if you actually read it or knew a single thing about it. The constitution doesn’t just apply to citizens.
Carlos Hernandez Gonzalez

@lolconnie, the point is, these illegal Mexicans have no business being here to begin with. They have the right to be deported, that’s it. Why would you want the stink of Mexico dragging down this great nation anyway.

Tyler

Hey Connie, maybe you should do a little research before you try to argue with people. Read this article and learn about how illegal aliens are, in fact, protected by the U.S. Constitution.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/rightsandfreedoms/a/illegalrights.htm
Connie

@Tyler, A sh!tball is a sh!tball. They should be deported immediately.
JC

“@Tyler, A sh!tball is a sh!tball. They should be deported immediately.”

Alright, Connie. Let’s start with you. I see no difference between your comments and that of a sh!tball’s.

Connie

@JC, Please don’t even think to compare me to a sh!t illegal bean eating Mexican. It’s no accident that Mexico is one big lawless garbage dump, it’s full of Mexicans. Why would any of you want that for America?

L Parker

If this was intentional, this constitutes harrassment, and as you stated, wreckless endangerment. No doubt they will say it was an accident, so at the very least, this constitutes negligence. I bet nothing happens to them for doing this. I think the best we can do is spread the word that it happened.
Megadan

I think that’s funny as heck! How is this any different that when union worker mooks pound on cars or harass people crossing picket lines? Oh wait: it’s the double standard, I forgot. Suck it up union morons! This is what you get for being happy about your lack of job skills.

I will do my best to stay at Hyatt properties in the future.

Concerned American

Whoever ordered the heat lamps should be arrested for Reckless Endangerment! How dare they attempt to harm individuals gathering to express their federally protected rights! Hyatt should be ashamed of themselves. I will never again stay at any Hyatt hotel.

Reckless endangerment: A person commits the crime of reckless endangerment if the person recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. “Reckless” conduct is conduct that exhibits a culpable disregard of foreseeable consequences to others from the act or omission involved. The accused need not intentionally cause a resulting harm or know that his conduct is substantially certain to cause that result.

Tina

@Concerned, All they had to do was walk away, no crime commited. Nobody is forcing them to stand there. I will go out of my way to always stay at a Hyatt hotel when ever traveling.

Concerned American

I am not a lawyer, but from my reading of the legal definition it does not matter. You are shifting the blame to the victim from the perpetrator.

A victim of Reckless Driving is still a victim, they didn’t have to drive. They could have taken the bus or stayed at home.

Hyatt placed others lives at risk, they knew it was hot and they turned on heat lamps. They didn’t want the strike because it looks bad (profits before people of course). They engaged in conduct that disregards foreseeable consequences. Even if they did not intend to cause harm, they still should be arrested.
Tina

@Concerned, Come on now, that’s like saying if you stand on train tracks to protest a train schedule or whatever, and you get hit by the train, instead of stepping out of the way, it’s the trains fault for not stopping in time. Creating an uncomfortable environment, for the trouble makers, was an engenious tactic.
Phil

Strike-busting and intimidation are ALSO against the law, Your Brilliance.
Ken Abrahms

It seems to me that these people can be charged with disorderly conduct. They are disturbing the pleasant atmosphere of a respected hotel. At the very least, move them down the block where they can’t disturb hotel operations.
Jason

Concerned American – maids do not produce the economic output that a business worker does, period. It’s a moot argument on your end.
Rational One

Perhaps these people should try thinking for once and become entrepreneurs rather than mindless workers. If they don’t like what is being offered, they can leave and go find another job. Despite what you hear on the news, there are plenty of jobs out there and there will always be somebody willing to work harder for less money than that person. The heat lamps were a bad idea. However, paying brainless workers $20/hr + benefits to make beds and clean bathrooms is also a bad idea. The potential small fine for the heat lamps is a drop in the bucket compared to all the money they would have to pay the employees.
Concerned Person

Tina, then you’re a dolt. I’m sure being committed to something is over your head, isn’t it? There is no reason to put on the heat lamps, period. Don’t defend endangerment of any sort. Heat stroke is a serious condition, and can lead to death. You shouldn’t be making excuses for that. Have you even asked why in god’s name would someone turn on the heat lamps on one of the hottest days recorded. That’s just sick, kinda like your thought process.

Progressive Texas Democrat

“The union says the Boston Hyatt replaced 100 housekeepers with temps making minimum wage.” Well that makes me want to stay at a Hyatt, NOT
http://hotspyer.com/2011/07/22/chicago-hyatt-turns-heat-lamps-on-picketing-workers/ Chicago Hyatt turns heat lamps on picketing workers | Hotspyer – Breaking News from around the web

[...] temperatures over 90 degrees and a heat index over 100 degrees, as workers picketing outside the Chicago Hyatt Thursday could now tell you in some detail after the hotel’s heat lamps were turned on over [...]
http://iamtheeye.com/2011/07/21/chicago-hyatt-turns-heat-lamps-on-picketing-workers/ Chicago Hyatt turns heat lamps on picketing workers

[...] temperatures over 90 degrees and a heat index over 100 degrees, as workers picketing outside the Chicago Hyatt Thursday could now tell you in some detail after the hotel’s heat lamps were turned on over [...]
Matty

Wow. I sure want to be on your side…not.
http://www.jasongooljar.com/2011/07/22/criminal-investigation-of-a-hyatt-hotel-needed/ Criminal investigation of a Hyatt hotel needed | Jason Gooljar: The Working Families Party Man | Fighting in the Class War

[...] via Workers: Heat Lamps Shined On Hyatt Hotel Picket Line « CBS Chicago. [...]
http://satelliteheadlines.com/89973/in-100-degree-weather-powerful-heat-lamps-normally-used-to-melt-snow-on-sidewalks-were-shined-on-a-hyatt-hotel-picket-line-the-heat-lamps-were-turned-off-when-the-p In 100 degree weather, powerful heat lamps (normally used to melt snow on sidewalks) were shined on a Hyatt Hotel picket line. The heat lamps were turned off when the press showed up. at SatelliteHeadlines.com

[...] by slapchopsuey to politics [link] [70 [...]
Liketogripe

How come there is not video or picture evidence?
http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/hyatt-turns-heat-lamps-on-strikers/ Hyatt Turns Heat Lamps on Strikers

[...] CBS Chicago (“Workers: Heat Lamps Shined On Hyatt Hotel Picket Line“): Union workers say someone turned on the heat lamps in blazing hot broad daylight Thursday, as they walked a picket line in front of the Park Hyatt Hotel. [...]
Wally from Australia

As an Australian watching the Hyatt treat it American workers like that when they have the right to organise for a fair wage negotiation is a disgrace. I am taking a holiday over Christmas and will definately not stay at the Hyatt. The racist comments are an ebaressment to all American citizens
Not me

NO one there had a useless iPhone with one of those useless apps to show the degrees while you recorded it ???

Idiots

Go down a few blocks maybe you cant fit in with the Potter crowd and complain because the line is sooo long…

Great ABE Lincoln

This is for the comment for Not me

What is it with you people today

I would say that you are “He who can not be named”. You are so angry .. you even take it out on news events. Thinking that you need a shrink for you phfffissssszzzlllleee

http://thecampofthesaints.org/2011/07/22/theres-a-spirit-abroad-in-the-land/ There’s A Spirit Abroad In The Land* « The Camp Of The Saints

[...] CBS-2 in Chicago, we learn [tip of the fedora to Memeorandum]: Union workers say someone turned on the heat lamps in blazing [...]
http://www.laborunionreport.com/portal/2011/07/obamas-billionairess-union-busting-buddy-turns-heat-on-strikers/ Obama’s Billionairess Union-Busting Buddy Turns Heat On Strikers! | LaborUnionReport.com

[...] to a local CBS affiliate, the lights were turned off when the press showed up. Combined with the outdoor air temperature, [...]
http://youoffend.me/politics/hyatt-tries-cooking-union-workers-alive-parkhyattchi/ You Offend Me » Hyatt Tries Cooking Union Workers Alive @ParkHyattChi » You Offend Me

[...] idea of using heat lamps, usually used to melt the snow and ice on the sidewalks in winter, to cook the picketers instead. Oh, and they were smart enough to turn them off when the press arrived. Digg this post Recommend [...]
http://www.redstate.com/2011/07/22/obamas-billionairess-union-busting-buddy-turns-heat-on-strikers/ Obama’s Billionairess Union-Busting Buddy Turns Heat On Strikers! | RedState

[...] to a local CBS affiliate, the lights were turned off when the press showed up. Combined with the outdoor air temperature, [...]
http://www.delawareliberal.net/2011/07/22/friday-open-thread-89/ Friday Open Thread : Delaware Liberal

[...] This is just evil: The Park Hyatt at 800 N. Michigan Ave. was among the hotels where picketing was held, and at some point Thursday morning, someone turned on the outdoor heat lamps that are usually used in winter. [...]
Deboraht007

Turning on heat lamps in 99 degree weather. Remember the old movies where it showed vats of boiling oil thrown on the peasant revolters in ancient Rome? How far we have fallen.

Gordon

They didn’t have to stand there. They should have walked away.

http://workerunity.net/?p=522 Union busting Chicago style : Worker Unity

[...] CBS Chicago, July 21, 2011. Published: July 22, 2011 Filed Under: Jobs, Mmm..nutty Leave a Comment Name: [...]