NSW: Unionist smash through luxuy hotel during protest

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2001
NSW: Unionist smash through luxuy hotel during protest

Unionists have stormed a luxury Sydney hotel and smashed through locked glass doors
to demand the reinstatement of 20 sacked workers.

A union official, a unionist and four security guards were injured when a glass door
leading to the lobby of the Wentworth Hotel was shattered.

Unionists occupied the lobby for 30 minutes demanding to talk with management about
the decision to sack 20 workers last week.

Among those injured by flying glass was Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers
Union state secretary ANNIE OWENS, who suffered a cut ear.

Transport Workers Union member DIGGER REVELL suffered the worst injuries in the crush,
a deep gash to his ankle and glass cuts to his legs.

He says he was pushed through the door.

Four security guards were also injured by flying glass when they were forced backwards
through the doors.

After the occupation, management met with a union delegation for more than an hour,
but the hotel won't say until Friday afternoon whether the workers get their jobs back.

Wentworth Hotel management has refused to comment throughout the dispute.

AAP RTV nd/rp/wz/jn

KEYWORD: WENTWORTH (SYDNEY)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.