http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_4424586
denver & the west
Hyatt workers approve union
Move may help Denver's bid for Dem convention

By George Merritt
Denver Post Staff Writer


Workers at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center have formed a union, removing another potential obstacle in Denver's bid to win the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

"Everything seems to be falling into place," said lawyer Steve Farber, a fundraiser for Denver's host committee.

The city-bonded Hyatt has been the focus of union and political attention since organized labor voted earlier this year to oppose Denver's bid for the convention unless the hotel was unionized.

Labor groups formally pulled their opposition to Denver's bid, but Friday's announcement by union organizers only bolsters the city's bid for the convention.

A spokesman with the Democratic National Committee said the party considers union support when deciding where to go.

"We've made it clear that good labor relations is an important consideration," spokesman Damien LaVera said.

Katie Gerken, the spokeswoman for Unite Here, which led the effort to organize the hotel, said the Hyatt formally recognized the new union Friday morning.

Of the 750 workers at the hotel, 350 workers are now represented by Unite Here, and they will start contract negotiations with the hotel soon, officials said.

"The workers are very, very excited," she said. "This has been a process they have taken very seriously."

But not everyone was thrilled by news of an organized hotel.

"I'm not sure they are relevant," Ilene Kamsler, president of the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association, said of union hotels.

She said the hotel industry already provides competitive wages and benefits for workers.

Kamsler said the "card neutrality" system workers used to organize - where