A Japanese delegation of union leaders rallied yesterday at the Pacific Beach Hotel in support of the local union representing more than two dozen hotel workers laid off a year ago.

International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 142 has been protesting against the hotel since workers lost their jobs in Dec. 2007 following management changes, including the cancellation of a operating contract with Outrigger Enterprises Group.

The hotel claims that the layoffs were due to a decline and further anticipated drop in Waikiki tourism.

“;The union's campaign to discourage Japanese tourism is an affront to the entire visitor industry and all of Hawaii,”; Robert “;Mick”; Minicola said in a statement. “;By attempting to make matters even worse, the union jeopardizes the livelihood of hardworking men and women of our state who are struggling to survive despite the worldwide economic downturn.”;

The national AFL-CIO contacted Japanese unions, including the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, seeking their support against claims of violations of U.S. federal labor law. The Japanese unions aren't affiliated with ILWU.

The union said the hotel rejected a petition signed by 64,785 workers from Japan calling for Pacific Beach to reinstate the 32 laid off workers.

The National Labor Relations Board has issued a formal complaint against owner HTH Corp. following charges by the union of unfair labor practices. A ruling is not expected until late 2009.

Pacific Beach Corp. predicted that 2008 would be a difficult year for the industry and earlier said it could not guarantee all jobs when it took back management of the hotel.

The union has sent out thousands of notices to travel wholesalers to discourage bookings and later called for a boycott.