Political Leaders, Students Join Sheraton Crystal City Boycott

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Chanting "Don't check in, check out!" two dozen students and workers picketed the Sheraton Crystal City last night. The students were from Princeton University and are working with UNITE HERE Local 25 on their fall break. The picketline also drew support from two prominent local political leaders, Chris Zimmerman, Chairman of the Arlington County Board and his colleague, Board member Walter Tejada, as well as NoVA President Dan Duncan and Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams. "Arlington supports fairness for workers," Zimmerman told picketers. "When there's so much wealth disparity it's outrageous that these rich companies won't pay a working wage," added Tejada. "You're fighting for the right cause. There are people in our community who are voiceless and what you're doing is so important and valuable. Keep up the fight!" Sheraton worker Delmy Morales, who's worked there as a housekeeper for 14 years, said that "It's great to have support from the Chairman, students and other important people. We're going to keep going until we get what we want." The Sheraton is owned by HEI Hotels; UNITE HERE is boycotting three HEI-owned hotels in California as well as the Sheraton Crystal City. Click here for details. - photo by Chris Garlock