Marriott: International Hotel Industry Corruption, Corporate Terrorism and The Hunger Strike Challenge

Marriott International Inc versus The People

The aim of this petition is to save lives and to reveal the true face of Marriott International Inc, the largest hotel company in the world.

Herein is the announcement of a hunger strike, “Famine of Words, Glut of Silence”. It is designed as a powerful statement against Marriott non-transparency and its failure to adhere to ethical, legal and regulatory codes, all at the expense of customers and communities (and ultimately investors).

The protest will commence on 1st June 2018. The time-frame is generous but non-negotiable - that is, unless Marriott agrees to an honest, legally appropriate corporate-level dialogue with representatives of the Mahadlekluang community in Bangkok, Thailand. This is not a threat, just a simple statement of how matters stand and the ball is firmly in Marriott's court. The clock is now ticking towards the #MarriottHungerStrike

[Link: www.linkedin.com/pulse/open-letter-arne-sorenson-president-ceo-marriott-john-shepherd]

Hospitality sleaze – an ungoverned industry in crisis

Marriott is at the forefront of a hostile and sinister transformation of the worldwide hotel industry. Corrupt underlying mechanisms are destroying its sustainable and humanitarian business fundamentals.

It's now all about the money, bigger is better, aggressive growth over social responsibility. International corruption is easily but covertly embraced, transparency blotted, regulators deceived, whistle-blowers stifled. Rhetoric, lies, denial and greed represent present-day hospitality morality (more-ality).

From an investor point of view, a company conducting itself like Marriott - misrepresenting its brands and potentially veering out of control - is a frightening scenario. The “trust factor” is worth billions (as demonstrated by the recent Volkswagen scandal).

Case study regarding the Marriott-operated St Regis Hotel Bangkok: Brief summary

* A detailed analysis of the St Regis Bangkok illustrates how the rule of law has been corrupted

* The modus operandi of owner and operator is to put profit before people and safety

* The property's illegal construction and operations have resulted in continuing malfeasance and human rights abuses including, but not limited to, the criminal intimidation of people who complain about its dysfunctionality

* Marriott's stated commitment to responsible business, transparency and human rights has been seriously compromised

* Evidence indicates that Marriott is colluding with licensees to seek and exploit loopholes in the regulatory systems creating worldwide compliance issues

Question: Based on the above, how many more of Marriott's "nearly 6000 properties across 30 brands in 120 countries and territories" are operating illegally?


“The Marriott Code of Business Conduct” – A Tradition of Whitewash?

[http://www.marriott.com/Multimedia/PDF/CorporateResponsibility/Marriott_Business_Conduct_Guide_English.pdf]

“Putting people first is at the cornerstone of our culture … Marriott's commitment to… local communities and responsible business is a key focus in our hotels... We hold ourselves to uncompromising ethical and legal standards...”

“All of us who act on behalf of Marriott are responsible for upholding...Our Tradition of Integrity” - J W Marriott, Jr (Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board)

“How we do business is as important as the business we do” - Arne Sorenson (Marriott CEO)

Conclusion

From a letter to Arne Sorenson dated 10th September 2016:

“An outcome is now guaranteed. Whether this is to involve loss of life or the opening of corporate communication channels remains to be seen. The decision, sir, will be yours to make...” Silence still prevails.

[Link: www.linkedin.com/pulse/open-letter-arne-sorenson-president-ceo-marriott-john-shepherd]

How can you help?

Even if you choose not to sign the petition we ask that you forward it to as many people as possible.

Your support

* could save lives

* is a protest against the unprincipled state of the hotel industry and could help initiate a probe into its “corporate modus operandi” and the globally-regulated “legal and compliance mechanisms” under which it is supposed to operate

* demonstrates a revulsion against corporate bullying, corruption and greed

* is a declaration against the extreme power of corporations

* screams out to Marriott executives (who should be ashamed of themselves): “...just for once, WALK THE TALK, and show some INTEGRITY!”

Final quote:

"Corporate secrecy...is a tool for the corrupt. [G]reater business transparency will reduce corruption risks...” Bandid Nijathaworn (Collective Action Coalition against Corruption Thailand)

Those in the loop

Including: The US and Thai SEC; The US FTC; The US Embassy Bangkok; the US and Thai Chambers of Commerce; senior members of the Thai Government; National Anti-Corruption Commission (Thailand); Anand Panyarachun, Chairman Siam Commercial Bank and former Thai PM; Jada Wattanasiritham, Independent Director Siam Commercial Bank and Minor International PCL; Offices of The Privy Purse and Crown Property Bureau (Thailand); senior international analysts; media outlets

[Link: www.linkedin.com/pulse/open-letter-arne-sorenson-president-ceo-marriott-john-shepherd]

Musical finale - “Corruption”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37__xyFICcM