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HotelsPress Center
For Immediate Release
May 8, 2012
Romane Petit
954-297-8387
Jay Mehta
202-256-2694Mardi Gras 10: March for Freedom, Not Fear
Today, May 8, a group of 30 workers, clergy, community leaders, and concerned citizens plan on taking arrest as an act of civil disobedience in support of the 10 worker-leaders fired during an organizing effort at Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach, and in support of the Florida Freedom Charter. The civil disobedience participants will be joined by more than 500 confirmed supporters who will march from BF James Park to the entrance of Mardi Gras Casino. A number of the 10 Mardi Gras Casino workers fired will be taking part in the civil disobedience.
The rally comes a week after the National Labor Relations Board filed complaints against the casino operators claiming, among other things, that management “threatened to discharge employees if they engaged in union activities or protected concerted activities.” Further, the charges allege that the operators of Mardi Gras Casino created the impression that employees were under surveillance and management implied promised benefits to employees who “refrained from engaging in union activities.” A group of the 10 workers fired will be taking part in the civil disobedience.
The event is being organized by UNITE HERE! Local 355, a hospitality union that represents 5,400 casino, stadium, airport, and hotel workers in South Florida. It is the first event under the banner of the Florida Freedom Charter, a mandate drafted by South Florida workers and community leaders dedicated to improving local communities from the ground up.
