LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Yesterday, Edith Gutu, a public areas attendant at the Freehand Los
Angeles hotel, spoke about a lawsuit she filed against the Freehand
alleging that she has been subjected to a hostile work environment.
Gutu alleges in the lawsuit that she has been made to clean men’s
restrooms next to the rooftop bar and lobby bar without any means of
preventing men from coming into the restrooms and urinating. As a
result, she alleges, she has been exposed to men’s genitals while at
work.
Describing the allegations in her lawsuit, Gutu stated: “I have
repeatedly asked my managers for a sign to indicate that the restrooms
are closed for cleaning or another way to close the restroom while I am
working. But my management has failed to provide me with these
protections.”
Gutu was joined at a press conference in front of the hotel by community
allies, faith community leaders, and worker leaders.
Juana Melara, a housekeeper at the Westin Long Beach Hotel and 2017 TIME
Magazine Person of the Year, stated: “I am here today to stand in
solidarity, as my fellow housekeeper Edith Gutu comes forward and says
#MeToo. No working women, ever, should have to work under conditions
that are beneath her human dignity. As women, we deserve to work in a
safe and respectful environment.”
The Freehand Hotel is unique among Los Angeles-area hotels in that it
offers not only traditional high-end rooms and suites but also
hostel-style co-ed accommodations. According to the complaint, the hotel
features several bars, including a rooftop bar which on weekends takes
on a “raucous ‘party’ atmosphere.”
Noting that she has been inspired by other women in the hospitality
sector who have spoken out against sexual harassment, Gutu stated: “I
should not have to work in circumstances like this. Today, I have
decided to break my own silence. I am doing this not only for myself,
but so that all women who work in our industry can work with the dignity
and respect we deserve.”
UNITE HERE Local 11 is a labor union that represents over 31,000
hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona. Our members work
in hotels, restaurants, universities, convention centers, and airports.
Contacts
Press Contact:
Maria Hernandez
Email: [email protected]
Cell:
623-340-8047
