By request, this follows on from a previous petition concerning the corrupt practices of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc [two CEOs have since “resigned”] and its illegal operation of the St Regis Bangkok:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/202/898/687/starwoodgate-the-cover-up-stop-corruption-and-greed-in-the-worldwide-hospitality-industry/
Hospitality sleaze - an industry in crisis
Marriott and Starwood are at the forefront of a hostile and sinister transformation of the worldwide hospitality industry. Corrupt underlying mechanisms are destroying its sustainable and humanitarian business fundamentals.
It's now all about the money, bigger is better, profit before safety. The new corporate ethos penalises hotel staff, customers and communities whilst hotel owners and shareholders are worshipped like gods. Out of control multi-brand programmes jeopardise traditional brand values. International corruption is easily but covertly embraced, transparency blotted, regulators deceived, whistleblowers stifled. Denial, rhetoric, lies and greed represent present-day hospitality morality (more-ality).
No change at the St Regis Hotel Bangkok (and others?)
Over 35 courier-delivered letters addressed to members of the Starwood Board remain unacknowledged. Starwood still refuses to discuss the serious legal and humanitarian issues listed below at corporate level and by means of an appropriate legal protocol. Marriott, due to merge with Starwood, has already adopted the same strategy of silence. Starwood continues:
$ to create human suffering and human rights abuses
$ to ridicule public health and safety
$ to knowingly put people in harm's way
$ to support the intimidation of local community members who dare to speak out
$ to knowingly breach its own company codes of practice and
ethics
$ to engage in corporate-wide corruption and fraud
$ to break international and local laws pertaining to PLCs
$ to violate SEC and stock market regulations
Here's what's happening and gonna happen
@ Multiple legal tools and avenues are available (at a local and international level) to get Starwood / Marriott to the discussion table and certain courses of action are already underway. There is no "statute of limitation" when it comes to human suffering and the trashing of human rights
@ A public protest - "Famine of Words, Glut of Silence" - will shortly move towards the planning stage (more anon)
@ A book (in which names will be named) is for the future...
Spreading the word
Those in the loop include: The US and Thai SEC; The US FTC; The US Embassy (Thailand); the US and Thai American Chambers of Commerce; senior international analysts and brokers; media outlets....
Hotels portioning fear
In Thailand, corruption generally outplays justice - Starwood and Marriott are exploiting this - and many people are reluctant to voice an opinion or offer support to this and other campaigns for fear of reprisal. For example, a retired expat accused of defamation for speaking out against Starwood in the local media, is now blacklisted from the country (via corrupt processes) and has lost access to home and belongings
Conclusion
From a letter to Thomas Mangas (Starwood CEO) and copied to Arne Sorensson (Marriott CEO) dated January 2016:
"Finally, despite the possibility of a class action lawsuit....we maintain our long-term stance that this far-reaching scandal....should be handled in a manner befitting compassionate and mature human beings....by means of a legally appropriate dialogue. Mr Mangas, surely this is the perfect moment to talk."
How can you help?
Numbers are not important, but publicity is. Even if you choose not to sign the petition we ask that this mailing is forwarded to as many people as possible.
Your support
* will demonstrate a revulsion against corporate bullying and greed
* is a protest against the current unprincipled state of the hospitality industry
* will strongly question the mindset and morality of "rogue" hospitality companies
* could help initiate a public enquiry into the worldwide hospitality industry's “corporate modus operandi”
* could initiate a worldwide assault on corporations that put profit before safety
* could ultimately save lives
* could prevent an unexpected meltdown in the capital markets
* will scream out to Starwood / Marriott executives, who should be ashamed of themselves: "...just for once, WALK THE TALK"
"Corporate secrecy...is a tool for the corrupt. [G]reater business transparency will reduce corruption risks..." Bandid Nijathaworn - Collective Action Coalition against Corruption Thailand
[Starwood owns and operates the following brands: St Regis; Sheraton; The Luxury Collection; W Hotels; Westin; Le Meridien; Four Points by Sheraton; Aloft; Element by Westin. Marriott brands include: The Ritz Carlton; Bulgari Hotels and Resorts; JW Marriott; Autograph Collection; Renaissance; Delta; Courtyard; Residence Inn; Springhill Suites.....]
