/* fivel rothberg */

on tuesday october 16th, the day i arrived in Toronto, i set my bags down in the hotel and wandered around the city. the design exchange on Bay Street. – had an interesting display of innovative food vendor cart mock-ups. i already wrote about the world press photo exhibit below which i saw the same day.

after checking out a few more galleries i started to head back to the sheraton and happened to pass a dozen people marching back and forth in front of a Holiday Inn on King St. As they were wearing UNITE HERE placards i swung over to see what was up. * They said they were there b/c twenty workers were locked-out of the hotel (put on temporary leave) for three consecutive weeks after pushing for better working conditions and wages. they asked me to come back the next day, wednesday, to catch the larger demonstration.

i returned at noon on wednesday, oct. 17th, and witnessed a pretty amazing rally and march from Metro Hall on John St. to the Holiday Inn on King. one significant observation was that, compared to my experiences in Philly and New York, there was barely a police presence. No cops in riot gear, no 50 squad cars and sirens blaring. i’m sure there could have been some cops undercover though. the rally was also distinct as there was a heavier focus on conquering poverty in general and standing in solidarity w/ non-industrialized nations besides addressing the union members’ own needs. according to the Hotel Workers Rising website some 2000 people participated in the march and demonstration. It was really cool to see all of the CUPE members out supporting UNITE HERE.

i took the opportunity to record a bit of the rally and march on my digital camera and get an interview w/ John Sultana, a locked out union worker.

check out the slideshow w/ interview and the brief footage of a hotel worker speaking at the rally.

* back in Philly the Media Mobilizing Project is working in collaboration with UNITE HERE and the Hotel Workers Rising Campaign.