New Orleans Luxury Hotels Sued by Immigrant Workers

Latin American workers who were hired as legal "guest workers" by Decatur Hotels, a company that operates 10 luxury hotels in New Orleans, filed a federal lawsuit saying they were recruited with unfulfilled promises of good earnings. In the end, they contend that they have been left thousands of dollars in debt for their visas, recruitment fees and transportation here.

Decatur Hotels worked under the federal H-2B visa program, in which employers must stipulate that they cannot find U.S. workers to fill their jobs. A company can then bring in workers from other countries. The guest workers say that Decatur Hotels has not fulfilled their end of their offer providing them with 40 hours of work per week. Under the law, the workers are bound to work for Decatur Hotels and not allowed to find any other jobs. After paying room and board, a worker may earn as low as $18 for two weeks. The lawsuit contends that Decatur Hotels employs over 300 immigrant workers.

The hotels run by Decatur Hotels are: The Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chateau Dupre Hotel, Historic French Market Inn, Holiday Inn Express Hotel Le Cirque, The Lafayette Hotel, Parc St. Charles, The Pelham Hotel, St. James Hotel, and The Cotton Exchange Hotel.

Whichever side of an issue like this you are on, please let them know.