PUERTO RICO HOTEL STRIKE: Caribe Hilton, Condado Plaza, El San Juan

Workers express strength and hope through song

Despite the fact that the union and Hilton Hotels are still far from an agreement and a strike is very possible, a joyous atmosphere has characterized the workers’ mood at recent contract negotiating sessions. During breaks in the negotiations, Local 610 members spontaneously broke into enthusiastic singing and dancing in an inspiring exhibition of unity, courage, and hope for a better future.

At every opportunity, union Negotiating Committee members Maria “Angie” Silva Colon, Juan "Guarrucho" Vega, and many other musically talented workers, some playing tambourines, drums, and other instruments, took the microphone and started serenading their fellow union members, and management, with improvised songs about the negotiations, the contract fight, and the justice of the union’s demands.

“In all my years negotiating contracts, I’ve never been so inspired by the spirit of the people I represented,” said union negotiator, attorney Rich Maroko. He added, “I don’t know how anybody on management’s side can possibly have the heart to fight people like this.”

“I just wanted to sing, because I’m so happy and excited that we’re all standing together, and the abuse and disrespect is finally going to end,” said Angie.

“We wanted our managers to understand we’re not afraid, and we are united in our hearts,” said Guarrucho.

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