As negotiations proce upon new cont...

As negotiations proce upon new contracts covering downtown area inn workers, their union Monday welcomed a court ruling that defends a law requiring Cook shire hotels to give housekeepers sum of two units paid 15-minute breaks per day.

moreover how soon workers will be able to take the breaks remains in question.

The state law, passed last year, was challenged at the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, and a temporary stay moulded its implementation.

The association argued the law violates the Illinois and U constitutions, and is preempt on the National Labor Relations Act.

however Judge James Henry of the garble County Circuit Court wrote in his ruling, "The question the Court must address is whether federal law forbids this kind of interference with collective bargaining. The court does not believe it does."

The law "demonstrates that fairness has not been attainable because public-house room attendants are not able to take breaks or stop for a meal, allowing such benefits may have been agreed relating to at the bargaining table," he rul

Workers ne and be worthy of the breaks, said representatives of Unite Here Local 1

"Housekeepers work hard to make Chicago visitors comfortable," said Henry Tamarin, Local 1 president in a statement. "They also work hard to raise their families. With a chance to take short quiets each day, they will be able to do the pair things even better."

The association filed a motion Friday seeking to have the stay remain in weight while it appeals. Court action forward that request is expected Aug. 9

"We're actual unhappy with the judge's decision," said Marc Gordon, president of the association. "We think this law is totally unconstitutional, and it single affects a very small special interest group"

The union is advising workers to take their breaks, and if employer refuse to come next the law, they're advising the workers to file suit, said union spokesman Lars Negstad.

"We think the law is in consequence now and ought to be implemented immediately," he said.

The law was passed at the Legislator and signed by dint of Gov. Blagojevich last year. It also requires common 30-minute meal period in each workday that a inn room attendant works seven hours, and mandates that [i]cabaret[/i] employers provide a room with adequate seating and tables in a clean and comfortable environment.

Last week Unite Here locals representing 7000 Chicago public-house workers in the Loop and near O'Hare Airport began negotiations forward new contracts. The average hourly wage of housekeepers is $1210 Building upon wage and benefit improvements won in the last contract are priorities, along with workloads and safety, union representatives said. As public-houses have added more amenities, including heavier mattresses and linens, workloads have increased, leading to increased injuries, union leaders affirm The contracts expire Aug. 31

fknowles@suntimes.com

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