Redundant Westin workers protest

Redundant workers today staged a noisy protest in front of bemused guests and a handful of staff at the exclusive Westin Auckland Hotel this morning.

About 100 hotel workers face losing their jobs as the number of available rooms is reduced after the hotel went into receivership.

Ten placard-carrying workers staged a protest outside the building this morning before moving into the foyer using a megaphone to get their message across.

Police were called but did not intervene and after a short time the workers left the building.

The five-star hotel is expected to continue operating at reduced capacity with only 77 of its 170 rooms available for guests.

Other facilities including the spa, bar, cafe and conference facilities would also remain open, said the receivers KordaMentha.

KordaMentha had earlier said the hotel went into receivership after negotiations failed between Lighter Quay Hotel Management and its creditors, who included owners who leased the rooms to Lighter Quay Hotel Management.

The hotel was believed to have been fully booked for the Rugby World Cup next year.

When room owners took court action the number of rooms available reduced and that meant some staff would lose their jobs, receiver Michael Stiassney earlier said.

The Unite Trade Union said it was appealing to other unionists to join a picket.

- NZPA