Letters to the Editor: March 5, 2009

Princeton for Workers’ Rights criticisms are misplaced

Regarding “Princeton for Workers’ Rights protests U. investments” (Monday, Feb. 23, 2009):

In the Feb. 23rd story regarding the PWR’s protesting of University investments HEI Hotels & Resorts was singled out as a company guilty of unfair labor practices. It should be noted that HEI has long offered to allow our associates to participate in a democratic secret ballot election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board regarding union recognition. This process would allow for the prompt and impartial resolution of this question and ensure our associates are free from harassment and intimidation.

A review of the facts emphasizes the dubious nature of the claims repeated in the Princetonian story:

- The only formal complaint ever filed against HEI with the NLRB was recently withdrawn.

- Employees at both hotels enjoy competitive compensation and benefits that are equal to or better than similar hotels/classifications in these markets.

- Employee turnover is below industry averages at both hotels.

- HEI has a very positive relationship with unions within our hotel portfolio.

Our primary concern is to support our employee community, and while there are a few vocal employees who support unionization, we will work to protect the rights of all employees on this matter. We are confident that when you take a hard look at the accusations made against HEI, you will see how we’ve built our track record as a leading hospitality employer— by respecting our employees.

Jess Petitt

Director of Communications

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HEI Hotels and Resorts

Trayless dining would inconvenience all to satisfy the consciences of few

Regarding “Test driving trayless dining,” (Wednesday, March 4, 2009):

I was shocked and horrified to read a piece in The Daily Princetonian regarding Greening Princeton’s mission to remove trays from the residential dining halls. How idiotic. There is no doubt that not using trays will save the water used to wash them, but what those involved in this mission failed to realize is the massive inconvenience it will bring upon students. Without trays, we will have to make several trips back and forth between the servery and the eating area or else try to balance plates, bowls, utensils and cups in our arms without dropping them.

The article claimed that eliminating trays is estimated to lower food waste by 30 percent. Well, of course it will! Students will take less food because they cannot carry as much food. They will simply eat less. Is this really what Greening Princeton wants, just so that we can save water? Should we also eliminate forks, so that Dining Services does not have to unnecessarily expend those valuable natural resources washing forks — and us students who did not have a say in this matter can just “suck it up” and poke and lift our food with knives? Why not save water and metal by implementing the vastly-popular-among-mothers-of-toddlers “spork” agenda?

It has always been at the forefront of this “post-modern” environmentalist movement to try to eliminate the benefits of civilization and bring us back to the Stone Age: Let’s save water by not using trays — if our savage ancestors could just kill an animal and eat it without wasting any resources on such luxuries as utensils, plates or, to be more relevant, trays, so can we! They did not have gas-guzzling SUVs back then, or electricity or plumbing — and look! Their suicide rate was much lower. They must have been happier. So come on, people, let’s get real — stop wasting energy through living your lives selfishly by taking advantage of the benefits of technology.

Now, though trays are not a remarkable technological advance, they are obviously a necessary part of college dining. To inconvenience thousands of students by jumping on the bandwagon of an idiotic fad that is passing through the most liberal college campuses, just so a few “environmentalist leaders” can alleviate their guilty consciences, is beyond selfish.

If Greening Princeton really wants to focus on saving energy, let them focus on things that have really been bothering others and not only wasting energy, but also University money: for instance, the plasma screens that were installed in the Frist Campus Center gallery, the new Tiger Transit system or the ridiculous waste of money and energy that is the uncontrollable heating in some dorms.

So come on, Greening Princeton. Go after useful and wanted projects — not, to be quite frank, such detrimental, unintelligent, and self-righteous pursuits. Don’t let the dining halls be constantly ringing with the applause which inevitably accompanies the dropping of cups and plates full of food.

Raffi Grinberg ’12