HEI Hotels and UNITE HERE Reach Agreement, Pioneering a Partnership for Growth and Improved Labor Relations Industry-Wide

NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HEI Hotels & Resorts and labor union UNITE HERE affirmed today the formation of a long-term partnership focused on generating mutual growth and improving industry-wide labor relations through communication.  While details of the strategic relationship are not being announced, the agreement resolves all ongoing matters between the union and HEI.

"Today marks a milestone for the hotel industry and organized labor," said Anthony Rutledge, Chief Executive Officer of HEI Hotels & Resorts. "For decades, organized labor and hotel owners have struggled to create a format to share ideas and concerns openly, honestly and in a positive manner. The long term partnership we forged with UNITE HERE will now change that, with improvements that will be mutually beneficial to HEI, UNITE HERE and the broader hotel industry."

Within this new relationship, UNITE HERE has agreed to immediately terminate its campaign and activities against HEI and its hotels, investors, clients, guests, partners and representatives. The agreement also provides a framework for HEI and UNITE HERE to grow together in the future.

"We are excited about a more collaborative relationship with HEI Hotels that will benefit both the company and hotel workers nationwide," said D. Taylor, the President of UNITE HERE.  "Working together, we can ensure that open dialogue on such important issues will have long standing benefits for all constituents."

About UNITE HERE

UNITE HERE represents 270,000 workers throughout the U.S. and Canada who work in the hotel, gaming, food service, manufacturing, textile, distribution, laundry, and airport industries. Through organizing, UNITE HERE members have transformed hundreds of thousands of traditionally low-wage jobs into family-sustaining, middle class jobs. Visit www.unitehere.org.

About HEI:

HEI Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., is a leading hospitality investment firm that acquires, develops, owns and operates full- and premium select-service, upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts throughout the United States under such well-known brand families as Marriott, Starwood, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG.  HEI takes a holistic approach to creating value for its investors and employees by setting the highest standards across all aspects of hotel management and operation and focusing on the central principles of excellence and continuous improvement. HEI prides itself on some of the highest employee satisfaction scores in the hospitality industry, fuels local economic prosperity by investing in communities and is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

For more information about HEI, visit the company's website, www.heihotels.com.

CONTACT:
Clark Hanrattie
203-849-8844

Annemarie Strassel
312-617-0495

SOURCE HEI Hotels & Resorts