The Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union Local 14 has filed 5,000 petition signatures with the Denver Election Commission to stop a subsidy that had garnered council approval in January. Mayor Wellington Webb, normally a union supporter, opposes the move by the hotel union. The union, however, has received support from some religious and community groups.
The coalition opposes the subsidy to Denver developers Bruce and Seth Berger because Hyatt wouldn't agree to remain totally neutral while the union campaigned to sign up workers. Hyatt wants the right to tell its side.
Webb argues that stopping the hotel deal will eliminate thousands of union construction jobs and future jobs at the 1,100-room hotel. City councilwoman Cathy Reynolds says the council should refuse to put the issue on the ballot, even though only 2,458 registered voters' signatures are needed to place the issue on the ballot. Reynolds contends the city contract with the Denver Urban Renewal Authority for the hotel project is not subject for a vote.
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