Hotel union infighting
moves forward in suit

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By Lyn Danninger
ldanninger@starbulletin.com

A lawsuit filed yesterday by some former and current Local 5 union members in U.S. District Court accuses the union's parent, the International Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International, of taking no action on various charges leveled in 2000 against current Local 5 executives.

Those charges accused Financial Secretary-Treasurer Eric Gill and others of unethical conduct, engaging in anti-democratic procedures and various financial improprieties.

The suit names Washington, D.C.-based union President John Wilhelm and other officials of the international parent.

Gill said he had not seen the suit yesterday afternoon.

Plaintiffs in the suit include Tony Rutledge, former Local 5 financial secretary-treasurer, and current Local 5 President Orlando Soriano.

The suit also contends the issues pertaining to a possible strike have not been adequately explained to the membership.

"We have tremendous concerns," said Michael Green, the attorney representing the group.

"The contract is now cancelled with the hotels and the hotels are sounding like they won't budge. So with the contract canceled, everyone could be out on the street," he said. "If something is not done immediately, the union could be torn apart."

Rutledge noted that in 2001, the international sent a special monitor to interview union members. Since that time, no action or promised hearings have taken place, he said.

In a narrow 2000 election, GIll unseated Rutledge, who had held the position of financial secretary-treasurer for 14 years.

Afterward, Gill engaged in a battle with Local 5's executive board, which included several Rutledge supporters.

In February 2001, control of the union temporarily fell into the hands of an international-appointed trustee, Sherri Chiesa, its western regional director.

Chiesa is also named in the suit, which calls for a monitor or trustee to be brought back to oversee Local 5.

In early July 2001, the international ended the trusteeship based on election results that gave Gill the top leadership position.

In the meantime, the union has been negotiating with both Sheraton and Hilton hotel chains. Earlier this month, hotel workers voted 2,045 to 501 to authorize a strike against the two companies. No decision has been made to call a strike as yet.

The union plans to open its strike headquarters Monday after Local 5 members participate in Monday's Labor Day march through Waikiki, a Local 5 official said.