Hundreds of people protested at the Boston Copley Marriott around 1 p.m. today, speaking out against the hotel using a contractor that employs a workforce from outside of Boston to renovate about 1,100 rooms.

"Meanwhile, hundreds of our community members are in need of good jobs," said a press release from the SEIU Local 615 union representing service workers. "Jobs should be offered to contractors in Boston who can hire members of our communities who are in need of employment in this tough economy."

Numbers released on Tuesday show more 253,000 Massachusetts residents remain unemployed, SEIU Local 615 said.

Community Labor United, New England United for Justice, Chinese Progressive Association, Chelsea Collaborative, and Boston Workers Alliance also participated in the protest, which featured signs, balloons, puppets and more.