BVMs (l. to r.) Vicki Smurlo, Pat Peach (Janet Irene), Mary Jean Ferry (St. Christopher), Roberta White (St. Caritas) and Ann Lenore Eifert are among the more than 2,000 persons participating in the Glendale demonstration. They carried the six-foot long banner in the march.

Si, Se Puede— Yes, It Can Be Done

This article begins with an invitation to read the story of BVM support of the workers at the Glendale Hilton Hotel not as observers or as spectators, but as participants.

When the pronoun “we” is used in this story, it is meant to include all those who are united with BVMs who work to make our world a just and peaceful place.

As persons who believe in the BVM core values of freedom, education, charity and justice, we were all a part of the action for justice for hotel workers at the Glendale Hilton. Wherever one, or more of us, acts for justice, we are all present.

In early September of 2005, the local newspaper, the Glendale Newspress, alerted us to the labor dispute at the Glendale Hilton Hotel. Because our BVM West Region meeting was scheduled for this hotel, the situation became a concern for us.

It was important to explore the labor issues experienced by the hotel workers. We learned that 75% of the workers wanted to belong to “Unite Here,” the hotel union. The managers of the hotel were refusing to let them have a card check in order to begin unionization.

We joined the workers in demonstrations in front of the hotel. Our hearts were deeply moved as we heard stories of low wages, costly insurance, horrendous working pressures and disrespectful treatment. We marched and chanted, “Hilton eschucha. Estamos en la lucha ” Hilton, listen. We are in the struggle. “ Si, se puede.” Yes, it can be done.

We also met with the manager and assistant manager of the Glendale Hilton in order to listen to both sides of the controversy. The managers were very cordial and told us most of the hotel workers were very happy in their jobs. Their viewpoint differed greatly from what we had heard from the workers themselves.

Our involvement continued as we met with CLUE (Clergy United for Economic Justice) UNITE HERE Local 11 (the labor union) and workers at the Glendale Hilton. In Northern California, some of us attended a reflection day with CLUE members from Santa Clara Valley who are also involved in justice for hotel workers.

Community Consultation and Action

After we were sufficiently informed of the hotel situation, we knew we had to engage our 150 West Region BVMs and Associates residing in 10 states, Guatemala and the Philippines in a conversation regarding our Region gathering.

Through ten days of email discussion we informed our members of the hotel situation and asked for input on three possible choices: remaining at the Glendale Hilton, moving to a new place, or canceling our gathering.

What followed was an amazing exchange relating the concerns for the workers, management, BVMs who had organized the upcoming meeting, and our BVM stance on justice.

“If there is a boycott, I will not cross the line.” “Put our money where our mouths are and take the action that we feel would best serve the needs of the workers.” “I am willing to pay more to help the cause of justice.”

Individuals shifted from “stay” to “move.” As we listened to each other, became better informed, delved into our consciences regarding how we live our core values, and prayed for wisdom, we came to a peaceful decision to cancel our contract with the Glendale Hilton. We would stand in solidarity with the workers and find a new place to gather.

In our letter to management we stated: “As women, we have a special concern for women who are poor, and especially women with children. We are convinced that employers need to provide a wage and benefits that support the family. We hope that in the future you will work with the National Labor Relations Board, the UNITE HERE organizers, and the employees of the Glendale Hilton to provide a working environment where all voices can be heard and represented.”

We supported the hotel workers as they chose to call for a boycott of the hotel. Words of gratitude were expressed to the Sisters of Charity, BVM for being the first group to withdraw their reservations in support of the workers.

Effects

Boycotts are slow but powerful. Already several groups and individuals have pledged not to eat, sleep or meet at the hotel. It will be a long struggle for the hotel workers. They are willing to endure the hardships in order to improve their working conditions.

We have remained involved in the actions at the Glendale Hilton through CLUE and through the labor union, UNITE HERE.

The constant reminder of Mary Frances Clarke to have courage gives us all energy to stay in the struggle as we say, “Si, se puede. Yes, it can be done.”

About the author: Ann Lenore Eifert, BVM volunteers at Holy Family School, Glendale; Mary Jean Ferry (St. Christopher) volunteers at St. Camillus Pastoral Center, Los Angeles; Bette Gambonini is a regional representative for the West region.

Return to Table of Contents
© 2007 Sisters of Charity, BVM