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View Full Version : Union fight at Hotel owned by Private Equity Firm



curt_b
11-16-2009, 08:54 AM
This gets interesting because several universities are large institutional investors in the HEI fund. Sounds perfect for divestment campaign. curt

http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/5164/workers_students_take_on_university-funded_hotel_firm/

HEI is a relatively new, fast-growing and already quite influential owner-operator of more than 30 upscale, full-service hotels. Its strategy includes pursuing much of its investment funds—now totaling over $1 billion—from the endowments of prestigious universities, including those in the Ivy League.

According to Ian Lewis, a researcher for UNITE HERE, the hotel union, HEI’s strategy after it buys hotels is to “lay off workers, increase workloads, and cut corners any way they can.” While many hotels impose heavy workloads on room attendants, expecting them to clean 14 to 16 rooms a day, HEI often requires cleaning up to 32 a day, Lewis says.

much more at link

blindpig
11-16-2009, 09:24 AM
Just figuring 20 minutes per room(you can tell the sort of joints I stay in...) it would take about 10 1/2 hrs if yer on roller skates. And I know I'm low-balling....those sort of places must take much longer.

curt_b
11-16-2009, 09:37 AM
Even in low priced national chains, where I've worked on grievances with housekeepers, the max was about 20 rooms.