National Right to Work Foundation offers free legal aid to hotel industry employees nationwide

Washington, DC (May 1, 2025) – The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is launching a nationwide campaign offering free legal aid to hotel workers in the wake of widespread abuse by UNITE HERE officials.

The groundbreaking new campaign, featuring the mini-documentary “The Reality of Union Bullying by UNITE HERE,” shows the reality of deceptive promises and intimidating behavior from one of America’s most powerful unions, as well as the steps workers are taking to safeguard their rights from union bosses. “They’re supposed to protect us, but they just take our money and our voice,” says Erika, a San Francisco hotel worker who has been forced to pay dues for years. “The only time UNITE HERE would talk to us was when we would get paid.”

Erika is not alone. Across the country, Maria, a Chicago Hilton worker, has faced the same intimidating behavior as UNITE HERE officials attempt to muscle into her workplace. The video detailing these heartbreaking experiences has already gone viral, amassing well over a million views.

“I hope this video and my story helps inspire others,” Maria said of the video and campaign. “My message to other hotel employees is: Don’t let UNITE HERE bully you. The National Right to Work Foundation helped me stand up for my rights and they can help you too.”

Foundation staff attorneys have in recent years aided many hospitality workers in fighting coercion from the UNITE HERE union, including at hotels and resorts in Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Washington, D.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; Orlando, Florida; and elsewhere. Employees helped have included housekeepers, concierges, foodservice staff and providers, casino maintenance workers, Disney crew members, and others.

“UNITE HERE officials have engaged in practices that undermine the very workforce they claim to want to protect,” said Foundation President Mark Mix. “Maria and Erika have bravely stood up for their friends and coworkers in the face of intimidation and coercion. The National Right to Work Foundation is proud to have provided them with free legal aid.”

“We’ve heard from many workers and we know there are many more out there who need help – they should know they have resources,” continued Mix. “Foundation staff attorneys are prepared to assist any hotel employees facing UNITE HERE’s abusive tactics.”

To learn more about free legal aid, visit hotelworkersrights.com.

The full video can be seen here.

The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, assists thousands of employees in about 200 cases nationwide per year.

Posted on May 1, 2025 in News Releases