Union files labor violation complaint against convention center operator, city

The union that represents some 150 Long Beach Convention Center workers has filed an unfair labor practices claim with the National Labor Relations Board against the facility as well as the city.

Unite Here Local 11, which represents over 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona, filed the complaint with the federal agency last week, claiming that ASM Global management, which operates the city-owned facility called the police on and surveilled picketing workers who were “peacefully exercising their legal rights.”

ASM did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Earlier this month, 85% of workers voted to authorize a strike amid contentious labor negotiations between the union and ASM Global. Two days later, during the mayor’s State of the City address, workers picketed outside the convention center.

Police and security guards could be seen observing picketers on the east side of the Terrace Theater, where the mayor’s event was being held, near the Beverly O'Neill Theater. Security was standing near barricades blocking people from walking up stairs toward the entrance for the event.

The union and ASM have been negotiating a new contract for the convention center’s cooks, bartenders and servers since September, when the old contract expired. The biggest sticking point is the company’s use of subcontractors, which do not afford workers the same protections and “undermine” the contract negotiation process, according to the union.

City Manager Tom Modica was also named in the NLRB complaint as a representative of the city, which the complaint alleges "is a joint employer of the striking Convention Center employees.”

The city is aware of the complaint, according to spokesperson Kevin Lee, who said officials cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings.

Lee did note, however, that the union’s claim that the city is a “joint employer” is incorrect, adding that it’s “also important to note that the City supports good faith negotiations and respects First Amendment activities.”

Last week, the union filed a public records request for all communications between ASM and city staff, including Modica’s office, and documents related to requests for proposals for the operations of the forthcoming “Long Beach Bowl” music venue.

During the State of the City presentation, Mayor Rex Richardson announced ASM Global and its parent company, Legends, were selected by staff to operate the venue. The city later announced it had received six proposals.

While staff selected ASM/Legends from the proposals, contract negotiations are ongoing and still need to be approved by the City Council during its March 11 meeting, according to city spokesperson Chelsey Magallon.

The Watchdog submitted a public records request for the six proposals on Jan. 21. Two days later, however, the city stated it was withholding “all existing records” as the “procurement process is not yet complete,” meaning the proposals will not be released until an operator is under contract with the city via a City Council vote.