LOS ANGELES The banner outside the New Otani Hotel & Garden, in Los Angeles reads: “THE NEW OTANI HOTEL & GARDEN AND THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL 501 WELCOME THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION TO THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES” The 60-foot-long, 6-foot-high expression of solidarity by the union offers a touch of irony, in light of demonstrations held by union sympathizers outside the hotel only two weeks ago. The New Otani had been the site of Local 11s attempts to organize workers, who subsequently voted not to join the union. (8/16/00)
