UNITE HERE, a renowned labor union representing over 300,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada, reported a significant data breach on February 23, 2024. The breach, discovered in October 2023, exposed sensitive information, including names, Social Security numbers, financial account details, driver’s license numbers, and state identification numbers of 791,273 individuals. UNITE HERE promptly filed a notice of the breach with the Attorney General of Maine, initiating an investigation and collaborating with third-party data security specialists to assess the incident.
The unauthorized access, confirmed by the investigation, targeted files containing confidential information of members and staff from local unions, health funds, and the San Diego UNITE HERE Pension Fund. UNITE HERE took immediate steps to secure its systems and, following the completion of the investigation, started sending out data breach notification letters to affected individuals. These letters detail the compromised information and advise recipients on necessary steps to protect themselves. The breach underscores the significance of understanding the risks and seeking legal counsel for potential victims.
In response to the breach, UNITE HERE emphasizes the importance of immediate attention for individuals who have received breach notifications. The organization, based in New York City, represents workers in various industries, including hotel, gaming, food service, manufacturing, and transportation. With over 427 employees and an annual revenue of approximately $78 million, UNITE HERE plays a significant role in advocating for the rights of workers.
