By Dan Satherley
Westin Hotel employees will protest this afternoon against upcoming redundancies.
It is expected around 100 workers will lose their jobs as a result of a dispute between receivers KordaMentha and room owners, including hotel developer Nigel McKenna's company Melview, who lease the rooms to Lighter Quay Hotel Management.
Several of the hotel's rooms are empty, and the hotel is running at a reduced capacity.
"These workers are asked to pay the price for a dispute between two wealthy and powerful groups," says Unite organiser Joe Carolan. "Many of these overseas investors have never even visited this hotel, yet its Auckland's workers who must pay the price for their greed."
The five-star Westin Hotel is popular amongst the elite – football star David Beckham has stayed there, and it is fully booked out for next year's Rugby World Cup.
Mr Carolan says workers are prepared to occupy the hotel if necessary.
"No redundancy pay has been offered to people who have given long years of loyal service. Many workers have young families to support, and some are pregnant.
"It is morally repugnant that these hard working people are now thrown on the scrapheap without any assistance, whilst South Canterbury Finance is bailed out by $1 billion of taxpayers' money."
Mike Treen, Unite general secretary, told RadioLIVE this morning other hotels could face similar problems as they have similar room title arrangements.
The protest is to start at 3pm.
3 News