Adopted Unanimously at the November 11, 2004 ASA Council Meeting
WHEREAS, hotel union representation raises wages, supplies benefits, and protects worker dignity, thereby insuring that economic growth benefits a workforce often composed of people of color, and particularly women of color; and
WHEREAS, the American Studies Association’s decision to hold meetings in union or non-union hotels strengthens or weakens the ability of these workers and their unions to secure better working conditions and contribute to equitable urban growth;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Studies Association will adopt, as part of its standing rules, a policy of union preference in negotiating hotel and service contracts for the Annual Meeting and for any other meetings organized by the Association; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that those responsible for negotiating and administering said contracts shall, in accordance with this policy of union preference:
- Select a union hotel and/or service provider if any such provider(s) respond(s) to a request for proposals; and
- Take active measures to support workers in any labor disputes arising at a contracted hotel, such that meeting attendees will be not compelled to cross picket lines or violate a boycott; and
- Add labor disputes to the standard escape clause in any ASA contract for convention hotels and meetings.