On Monday March 30, 2015 workers at the Hilton Boston Back Bay hotel announced a public campaign to win respect and a fair process to decide on unionization. Workers presented management with a photo petition demonstrating the support of a supermajority of the workforce.

Workers were led by a number of elected city leaders and clergy including Boston City Councilor At Large Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Councilor of the 8th district Josh Zakim, a representative of the Archdiocese of Boston, Rabbi Barbara Penzner, and more. Clergy and leaders of faith led the workers in an interfaith prayer vigil.

Workers at the hotel have complained about heavy workloads and experiences of pain that impact their lives.

“When I get home from work I am sick with pain. I have pain in my arms, my back, and my legs,” said Maryluz Perez, a housekeeper at the hotel. “Because of the pain I can’t spend time with my daughter like I want.”

“I commend the workers at the Hilton Boston Back Bay for the bravery they are showing today,” said Brian Lang, president of the Boston hotel workers union UNITE HERE Local 26. “It is inspiring to see Boston hotel workers fighting for the respect they deserve.”

Later in the evening hotel workers from UNITE HERE Local 26 showed their support for the Hilton Back Bay hotel workers with an informational picket of the hotel.