UNITE HERE Local 737 is calling on attendees of Ramen Rumble at Disney Springs to show support for a fired Patina Restaurant Group worker.
The annual Ramen Rumble competition is at Morimoto Asia — owned by Patina — on Monday, January 27, with check-in opening at 3 p.m. and the first session starting at 5:30 p.m.
UNITE HERE Local 737 is inviting Ramen Rumble attendees to stand with them in “demanding accountability from the restaurant company.”
Representatives from the union, Morimoto Asia cook Sabrina Redditt, and former employee Julie Ruiz will be near Disney Springs starting at 3:30 p.m. Ruiz will be available for interviews at the entrance to Disney Springs. She will speak to Ramen Rumble attendees, urging them to show their support at the event. Attendees will be able to wear stickers in solidarity.
Ruiz is a young woman of color who reported sexual harassment by a male supervisor when working at a Patina restaurant. The supervisor was not fired. Ruiz was fired months later for just wearing an earbud at work.
The union is demanding Ruiz’s immediate reinstatement and a commitment from Patina Restaurant Group and parent company Delaware North to prevent and address sexual harassment in their establishments.
Patina Restaurant Group employees at Disney Springs announced their intent to unionize last spring. At Disney Springs, Patina operates Morimoto Asia, The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte. Employees complained of “second-class working conditions.” They said that even though 90% of positions are considered part-time, they are required to provide full availability. They said they did not receive a living wage, healthcare, or paid time off, and could not afford basic needs. At the time, Local 737 filed two unfair labor charges against Delaware North with the National Labor Relations Board.
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