A condo owner at the Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis says they were injured during a labor protest Tuesday morning after a demonstrator allegedly blasted a high-decibel stadium horn near their ear as they attempted to enter the building.
The resident, who asked not to be identified while pursuing complaints with law enforcement and city officials, told Alpha News they have filed a police report and contacted the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office following the incident.
The demonstration was organized by Unite Here Local 17, the hospitality workers union currently engaged in contract disputes with the hotel.
According to the resident, protesters began gathering around 7 a.m. outside the mixed-use hotel and condominium property, using drums, whistles and stadium horns as part of the demonstration.
“This was far from a peaceful protest,” the resident told Alpha News. “These were people blowing stadium horns in the building and disrupting lawful entry to my condo.”
Residents caught in the middle
The resident told Alpha News that condominium owners have nothing to do with the labor dispute but were nonetheless subjected to the protest.
“Hotel Ivy Condo residents have no involvement in the labor dispute between the Hotel Ivy and Unite Here Local 17, yet they were subjected to harassment at the shared public entrance of the building — and at hours when no hotel decision makers were even present,” they added.
The resident said protesters used what they described as “130-decibel stadium horns” directly next to their ear, allegedly causing an ear injury.
“We respect Unite Here Local 17’s mission to secure fair wages and better working conditions for hospitality workers,” the resident stated. “But what occurred here was not a peaceful protest … placing uninvolved residents in a vulnerable and unsafe position.”
Questions about permit requirements
A city official confirmed to Alpha News that no permit was obtained for the demonstration.
The city of Minneapolis notes that “outdoor amplified sound that can be heard above conversation from beyond 50 feet likely requires a sound permit at any time.”
“Permitting laws exist for a reason — to ensure demonstrations are conducted safely, responsibly, and through the proper channels with the City,” the resident said. “Those requirements were not followed.”
The resident said they believe such demonstrations could discourage investment in downtown Minneapolis.
“As property owners, our values are declining, and nobody in their right mind wants to buy a place in downtown Minneapolis because of these sorts of things,” they said.
Union responds
In a statement to Alpha News, Unite Here Local 17 President Christa Sarrack said the June 23 demonstration was a typical rally supporting hotel workers during ongoing contract negotiations.
“The Union and the workers participated in a pre-shift demonstration in front of the Ivy on June 23rd. The purpose of the demonstration was to support the hotel bargaining and the workers asking for fair wages that align with other hotels in the city,” she said. “The demonstration was conducted in the same manner as has been done throughout recent history and we believe that there was no need to obtain permits for the demonstration that is protected by the First Amendment.”
Sarrack said she became aware of the injury allegation after receiving a phone call from the impacted resident and has reached out to them to have a discussion.
“I have not been contacted by the police or any official, nor have I been informed about any official report being filed,” she said. “The Union was in no way targeting the Condo owners during the demonstration. The workers of the hotel are asking for a contract that they deserve.”
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
