Security checks for Hilton staff

In a press release yesterday, the union advised workers not to sign accreditation forms which management is circulating unless the union is aware of it.

CWU claimed US President Barack Obama and his entourage would be guests at the Hilton during the summit from April 17 to 19. The union said the Government and hotel management want “the unfettered right to determine the credentials of all workers at the hotel, to determine who will pose a national security risk to the staging of the summit.”

Aside from seeking personal information, the union said, the hotel requested that employees sign a form giving the summit secretariat rights to do a “criminal/character background” check. Subsequently, the secretariat will also have sole discretion in determining which employees would be able to work during the period when Obama stays at the hotel, the CWU said, adding that it was left out of discussions on the matter.

“It is our rights based on the provisions in the Industrial Relations Act to be consulted in instances where the said workers terms and condition of employment will be affected,” the union stated.

Hilton General Manager Ali Khan told Newsday yesterday that all members of staff, including managers, had to sign the form and undergo background checks.

“I even have to do this, we are not victimising workers,” he said. Khan explained the union was told about the form within the last ten days and they agreed to the security check.

“At some point it seems that they changed their minds,” he said.