Protests at The Surrey Hotel Amid Met Gala Celebrations

NEW YORK CITY – Attendees of the Met Gala staying at The Surrey Hotel will encounter a protest by former hotel employees advocating for their reinstatement.

Labor Dispute Overview

The Hotel Trade Council (HTC) union is set to organize a demonstration outside The Surrey Hotel on East 76th Street today, as reported by The New York Post.

Following its closure in 2020 and subsequent bankruptcy, The Surrey reopened in October under new management from Corinthia Hotels. However, the new owners opted not to rehire nearly 100 staff members who lost their jobs during the shutdown, prompting the protest.

Legal Developments

In response to the new ownership, the HTC filed a lawsuit against the Reuben brothers, the current owners, citing violations of Local Law 99—the Displaced Hotel Service Workers Act. This law safeguards hotel employees’ rights during ownership changes. The legal proceedings are currently ongoing.

Celebrities at The Surrey

Notable guests at The Surrey include high-profile figures like Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, along with executives from prominent fashion brands such as Burberry and Valentino. The HTC has reached out to these celebrities, urging them to support the cause of the displaced workers.

The Impact on Workers

Mery Coronado, a former employee, shared the personal ramifications of losing her job: “This job fed my two daughters, paid for us to live in a good apartment, and enabled me to buy a car. I am a single mom, so my job at The Surrey means everything to me.”

Conclusion

The protests at The Surrey Hotel highlight ongoing labor disputes in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the challenges faced by workers during ownership transitions. The outcome of the HTC’s legal actions and the responses from celebrities may significantly impact the future of the displaced employees.