FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Karen Miller, 443-838-1518
Baltimore, MD July 12, 2007--- Against a backdrop of towering steel and cranes that will become the Convention Center Hotel, dozens of service and hospitality workers, all members of UNITE HERE, will threw their support behind Mayor Sheila Dixon. The Union of Needle and Industrial Trade Employees and Hotel and Restaurant Employees represents more than 20,000 hospitality, food service, laundry, retail and apparel workers in Baltimore and the surrounding region.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Harold Bock points to Mayor Dixon's past efforts to build the City's hotel and tourism industry as the key factor in the Union's decision. "Sheila Dixon has a vision for Baltimore that includes opportunities for training and jobs for all its residents. We look forward to working with her to make that vision a reality," said Bock. "Mayor Dixon was instrumental in securing the Convention Center Hotel that is rising up behind us. But greater than her commitment to raising a building, is her commitment to raising the standard of living for the workers who will welcome and care for the guests. Because of her leadership, the jobs created will be stable, well-paying jobs that offer benefits and pensions."
Mayor Dixon states, "We are fortunate to have great partners in our effort to move the city forward, partners like the men and women of UNITE HERE. It is because of the hard work they do representing Baltimore every day as the faces our visitors see -- tourism is alive and well here in Baltimore. I am grateful that UNITE HERE has confirmed its confidence in my ability to effectively lead this City."
A lifelong Baltimore resident and former elementary school teacher, Mayor Dioxn has been a community advocate and public servant for over two decades. The West Baltimore resident and mother of two serves on numerous community boards and is an active member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church.
