This is What Happens When Companies are More Concerned about Image, than Taking a Stand Against Hate.
Yesterday I was told not to come into work today because I wore a Black Lives Matter mask to a brief training session.
I went to get a quick training at The Hampton Inn in the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon because I was scheduled to work today as a valet.
I work for a company called Towne Park, who provide valet services for hotels and other places all across the country. I have been working at a few different hotels for them on a part time basis. I have worn my Black Lives Matter mask and other masks (Blazers, Timbers, Beavers) at other hotels when I worked and have not been told I shouldn’t or couldn’t wear any of them. I have had conversations with the General Manager as well as other managers at one of the hotels while wearing my Black Lives Matter mask.
The person who works for Towne Park and was training me was fairly hostile the whole time. The GM of the Hotel then called an impromptu meeting with us and a couple of other employees and told us we cannot be political, we are not allowed to express our opinion, and must refrain from conversations that someone may overhear and become offended.
I feel very bad for one of the workers, a young lady, I could tell she was disturbed by what she was being told, and when she questioned it, she was shut down by the GM.
Alex from Towne Park then pointed to my mask and said, “is this going to be a problem?” The GM said yes and that I would not be allowed to wear the mask to work. Alex asked if that was going to be a problem for me and I said it was because I didn’t think it was right. He then told me to leave, took the uniform shirt he had given me earlier, he said they did not need my help and they would find someone else to fill in.
Trying not to offend bigots and racists seems to be a top priority for Hilton and Towne Park.
I am angry over the way I was treated. I feel the conversation from the GM was totally inappropriate, and the way I was treated and told to leave by the Towne Park Supervisor was totally wrong.
I am fortunate in that I have other sources of income so am not solely dependent on this job, but I know others are not so fortunate. I also know that I am very good at my job, I know customer service. I get regular compliments on my friendliness and the way I treat people. But that does not seem to be important to them. Trying not to offend bigots and racists seems to be a top priority for Hilton and Towne Park.
I believe that Towne Park’s supervisor was out of line and that Hampton Inn which is part of The Hilton Hotel Family, are wrong and out of touch with the current situation. Many companies are taking a stand, they will not tolerate hate and are helping to advocate for change. Towne Park and Hilton are not among them.
