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It Happened
At the Hilton . . .
Hilton Comes To Terms With Protesting Drivers
By Barry Taranto
"Don't Check In, Check Out!" and "Shame, Shame!" were two of the rallying cries of taxicab drivers picketing the San Francisco Hilton Hotel and Towers July 10 and 11.
The protest, which spanned nearly 14 hours over the two days, was staged by a cross-section of cab drivers to draw attention to the illegal and unethical activities of Hilton door staff who divert hotel guests and visitors from taxis by persuading them to travel by limousine or town car.
In the days preceding the boycott and picket, drivers organized themselves through notices at the airport and discussions with their colleagues in the downtown hotel cab lines. Up to 60 protesters at a time marched back and forth across the Hilton's O'Farrell Street entrance holding signs and responding in unison to the bullhorn speaker.
At the beginning of the second day, hotel management sought a meeting with protest organizers to discuss taxi driver demands. The unofficial negotiating team outlined the three areas of concern: illegal parking by limousines and town cars in the red and white zones, solicitation of tips by hotel employees in exchange for airport loads, and steering of passengers away from taxis to
alternative forms of transportation.
The drivers' group asked for a written agreement from John Mazzoni, general manager of the San Francisco Hilton, one of the largest conventions lodging facilities in the city. The hotel executive took some time to seek advice and review the demands, while the picket continued outside.
Three police officers and members of the Taxi Detail monitored
the rally. A motorcycle cop issued warnings to those passing drivers who expressed solidarity by honking their horns.
Mazzoni emerged several hours later and promised drivers that he would implement procedures to address their concerns. In addition, he agreed to review a proposed memorandum of understanding drafted by the drivers and seek permission to sign the joint document. Drivers advised him that the protesters would return if the illegal and unethical behavior resumed.