NYC Unions “Exposing” Columbus Hotels are Union-Free in Attempt to Lure Democratic National Convention to New York

From Columbus Business First – Unions representing hotel workers in New York City are pushing the Democratic National Committee to take union representation into consideration when choosing between New York, Philadelphia and Columbus for the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Capital New York reports. In particular, they’re pointing out that New York City’s unionized hotels represent 80,000 rooms, compared with 5,000 in Philadelphia and zero in Columbus. “Every single delegation could stay at a (New York) hotel that treats workers with dignity and respect while providing middle-class wages and benefits,” Hotel Trades Council President Peter Ward said in a letter to the DNC. “Why would the party bring its business to a city that has settled for anything less?”

I’m sure my city, Columbus, Ohio, will respond appropriately, so there is no need for my snarky commentary. However, if the DNC is interested in saving cost on its Convention – money that could then be spent on candidate campaigning – non-union hotels in Columbus, Ohio is an extremely attractive proposition. So, from me personally, thank you New York City unions for highlighting yet another reason Columbus should be the host city.

Matt Austin is a lawyer based in the Columbus, Ohio office of Roetzel & Andress, LPA who limits his practice to representing employers dealing with labor, employment, and OSHA matters. You can call Matt at (614) 723-2010 or email him at maustin@ralaw.com.