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Briefs: Union negotiations continue | Westin Las Vegas sold

U.S. union deal updates. The union strike affecting 26 hotels in Chicago reached its seventh day on Friday with Unite Here suggesting there is no end in sight. Now, at least two conferences have relocated to avoid crossing picket lines, one moving to a hotel not on strike, another moving to a local college. Among the topics being discussed are heavy workloads and wage increases for tipped workers, but the issue reportedly causing the most friction is year-round health insurance. Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Marriott International have expressed disappointment that the strike was called so early in bargaining period and say an impasse has not been reached on any issue.

Separately, in San Francisco Unite Here Local 2 workers from seven Marriott-operated hotels throughout San Francisco voted Thursday to authorize a strike, while more than 1,000 union workers have voted to authorize a strike at eight Marriott Hotels in Boston.

Read reports from Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Examiner, Mass Live

 


Ryman increases stake in Rockies. Ryman Hospitality Properties, Nashville, Tennessee, announced it will spend US$242 million to increase its ownership stake to 62.3% from 35% in the joint venture that owns Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, a 1,500-room hotel and convention center development under construction in Aurora, Colorado. The development is expected to open in the fourth quarter of this year.

 


Vegas hotel sells. The off-Strip, 826-room Westin hotel in Las Vegas has reportedly been acquired for US$195.5 million by Highgate with a further investment coming from investment firm Cerberus Capital Management also partnered on the deal. The sale by Fortress Investment Group closed September 6, according to public records show. The deal came after the hotel replaced its casino floor with a bar and restaurant, increased its meeting-room capacity by 20% and implemented other upgrades.

Read Review Journal report

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