Miguel Aguilar, Banquet Waiter

Miguel Aguilar,

Banquet Waiter

Miguel Aguilar, 35, earned $28,000 to $30,000 a year as a banquet waiter at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. He has been out of work since early November.

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I started working at the Sheraton Universal eight years ago. I’ve driven a shuttle bus, I’ve been a cook and a busboy. But being a server is really the best job. The atmosphere is better than back of the house. It’s clean. There are tips. And you get to meet and talk with all different sorts of people. That makes me feel really good.

At first I didn’t think Sept. 11 would affect me all that much. But the hotel industry has been hit very hard. We’re not getting as much business now because people are afraid to fly and companies are canceling meetings and conventions.

Still, I think many corporations are taking advantage of the situation. They are using the tragedy as an excuse to lay off more people than is necessary and to weaken their unions. People are intimidated and fearful for their jobs, and employers are using that to their advantage.

The Sheraton Universal is a union hotel, and our contract gives seniority rights. Because management is cutting hours and positions, I got “bumped” by people with more seniority.

Management told me I can be a busboy over in the restaurant. But I’m the shop steward of my department. If I leave, who is going to stand up for our rights?

The contract gives me a say in choosing where I go. I filed a grievance and I’m fighting to stay with my department.

I haven’t worked at the hotel since Nov. 7. I’m getting help from the union and my friends have helped me a lot.

I’m also scrambling around for other work. I’ve applied for some dishwashing jobs. I’ve gone to the corner and worked as a day laborer. I made $50 doing construction one day. But nobody is really hiring out there.

My wife has started making tamales to sell. I’m the man of the house and I’m supposed to provide for us and our two kids. It’s embarrassing for me.

My hopes for the new year? My hope is that I can pay next month’s rent, keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.

I know the economy has suffered from the terrorist attacks. Companies have lost business. But all these layoffs are overkill. It’s the workers who are paying for it.

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As told to Marla Dickerson