Unite Here Local 11, the union that has been trying to organize workers at the Glendale Hilton for several years, is staging a protest there Thursday as counter programming to Glendale Mayor Dave Weaver's State of the City address. Here's the spin from the union:

Dozens Plan to Risk Arrest at the Glendale Hilton During Mayor's State of the City Address

Protesters to Highlight the Glendale Hilton as the 'Shame of the City' at Civil Disobedience Action

WHAT: Dozens of hotel workers, faith leaders, community members and students will risk arrest on West Glen Oaks Blvd. in front of the Glendale Hilton during the Mayor's State of the City address.

WHEN: Thursday, March 22, 2007, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd. Glendale, CA

WHO: Glendale hotel workers, faith leaders, students, and community members

Dozens of hotel workers, faith leaders, community members and students are planning to risk arrest on March 22, 2007 in front of the Glendale Hilton during the Mayor's State of the City Address which is scheduled to be held at the Glendale Hilton. Protesters are planning an action set to highlight the Glendale Hilton as "The Shame of the City", because of the poverty wages, lack of affordable health insurance and dangerous working conditions that hotel workers face at the hotel.

This civil disobedience action was planned after repeated visits by workers to the Glendale City Council, at which workers asked the Council and the Mayor to honor their boycott. Despite the workers' repeated pleas for support from their elected representatives, city officials have continued to hold and attend events at the boycotted hotel. Just two weeks ago, hotel workers and their supporters held a prayer vigil outside of the hotel during the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast at the Glendale Hilton.

Glendale Hilton hotel workers have been struggling for over two years for the right to organize, but their efforts were met with fierce resistance by hotel management. "I am a long time Glendale resident, and have given years of my life to make sure this hotel is successful. Yet, despite working full time, I still can't afford health insurance for myself or my children. We are disappointed that officials from the City of Glendale have chosen to cross our picket line instead of standing with us in our hour of need," said Rosa Garcia a housekeeper at the Glendale Hilton.