Silicon Valley Women Demand Justice from Hyatt on Anniversary of "Bikini Picture" firings

UNITE HERE represents workers in the U.S. and Canada in:

October 16, 2012

Seventy women and community members from across Silicon Valley spoke out against Hyatt’s disrespect of women and their bodies in a protest at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara. The action, which marks the one year anniversary of Hyatt’s firing of Martha and Lorena Reyes, featured a “Women’s Solidarity Quilt” bearing messages of support for the two sisters and stories of the struggles women face at work. Quilts, a traditionally female art form, have long represented women’s role as the social backbone of our communities and their solidarity for one another.

Addressing the crowd, Martha Reyes said “It’s been a year and we’re still waiting to hear an apology from Hyatt. But we’re here to show we’re not giving up.” Her sister, Lorena Reyes, spoke about what the last year has been like. “It’s been hard to keep going without a job. I’ve used all my savings and have sold almost all the gold I own, including my wedding ring. But we need to keep telling this story, and we will until they give us our jobs back.”

Rally participant and Hyatt employee Nenita Ibe explained why she came to the rally. “We’re here for Martha and Lorena, but we’re also here demanding respect from Hyatt. I’ve worked for them for a long time, and I hurt my shoulder while working for them. And still they don’t even treat us with respect.”

Learn more about the Reyes Sisters.