Workers on strike at Toronto’s Plaza Hotel--who have been keeping the pressure on owner, Rehan Chaudary for three months--leafleted inside the hotel on August 26. Chaudary, in a rage, punched a Steelworker, breaking her nose and giving her a concussion.

This is the same thug who called his workers "animals" for attempting to protect modest wages and working conditions.

Workers at the Toronto Plaza Hotel, a group of predominantly visible minority women, many of whom have worked for the hotel for over 20 years, have been on strike since May 30, 2013.

Chaudary's demeaning remarks were accompanied by a long list of concessionary demands including up to a 28 per cent wage cut, the elimination of all benefits, and the elimination of basic workers' rights such as union representation in disciplinary meetings. This is after the workers agreed to major concessions to help the hotel's new owners, including sacrificing many of their benefits, just two years ago.

"This deplorable behaviour reflects the complete lack of respect the Toronto Plaza Hotel has for its hard-working employees, some of whom have worked at this hotel for over 20 years," says United Steelworkers (USW) representative Mohamed Baksh.

It is a new low that this employer would rather beat workers than deal with them at bargaining table, but the strikers are not backing down. This strike will be highlighted at Toronto’s Labour Day Parade, September 2.