2-20-06, 8:43 m

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Actor Danny Glover, former Senator and Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards, Mayor Gavin Newsom and other community and labor leaders came out to support hotel workers as they announced the kickoff of a national campaign to negotiate new contracts with the largest hotel chains in cities throughout the US in 2006. Glover met with workers on the job at the Hilton and St. Francis Hotels to show his support, he and Edwards held listening sessions where UNITE HERE Local 2 members outlined the goals they want to accomplish in negotiations, labor and community leaders gathered at a press conference and reception, and over 2000 workers and supporters staged a huge kickoff rally. Workers at San Francisco's 14 fanciest hotels have gone without a union contract for almost two years, as Local 2 sought to line up its contract negotiations with other cities. To view these and other color images from the campaign kickoff, go to: