Woodfin Ordered to Pay Back Wages

Over 200 people turned out on Monday, August 29, 2007 to protest Woodfin Hotel’s refusal to pay back wages to some 50 workers. Around 11:15pm, after much chanting and role-playing by protesters, the Emeryville City Council unanimously voted to order the Woodfin Hotel to pay about $250,000 in back wages to workers by September 14, 2007 and a $45,500 fine for failing to turn over records to the City on time.

Supporters filled the Emeryville City Hall to capacity, spilling into the overflow room, to listen to the proceedings. One highlight of the evening was the Woodfin attorney being escorted out of the building by Emeryville police, after repeatedly speaking out of turn (he was later allowed back in to present an argument, which the City attorney deemed "largely irrelevant".)

EBASE has been working with workers of the Woodfin hotel over the past year to ensure the hotel’s compliance with the City of Emeryville’s Living Wage Ordinance. From marches in rain to hundreds of pickets to numerous visits to clients, the Woodfin campaign mounted a dynamic and vigorous fight. However, Woodfin’s announcement that it will not accept the city’s decision is an indication that the fight is far from over.

EBASE and its supporters are determined to keep the pressure on the Woodfin until workers receive what is rightfully theirs. Another picket is planned for Saturday, September 8, 2007 from 7 - 11 am. For more information, including locations and directions, contact Brooke Anderson at brooke(at)workingeastbay(dot)org.