Thousands of hotel workers in the United States have begun a multi-day strike in several cities after contract negotiations with major hotel operators Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Hyatt Hotels stalled. The strike, organized by the Unite Here union, involves workers in 24 hotels located in popular travel destinations such as San Francisco, San Diego, Honolulu, Boston, Seattle, and Greenwich.
Concerns Raised by the Union
The Unite Here union represents workers in hotels, casinos, and airports across the United States and Canada, and they have highlighted the challenges faced by hotel workers. One of the main concerns raised by the union is the strain on hotel staff, with management frequently assigning three employees to do the work of four. This results in increased stress and a shift towards prioritizing efficiency over quality service.
Hotel workers are demanding better wages and working conditions. For example, housekeepers in Baltimore are fighting to increase their wages from $16.20 to $20 per hour. In Boston, where housekeepers currently make $28 per hour, the union is seeking a $10 per hour raise over the next four years. The workers are pushing for fair compensation that reflects the essential nature of their work and the challenges they face.
While the strike is ongoing, major hotel operators such as Hilton and Hyatt have expressed their commitment to negotiating a fair agreement with the union. Hyatt has stated that they have contingency plans in place to minimize the impact of potential strike activity on hotel operations. However, Marriott has not provided a response to requests for comments on the situation.
The Unite Here union has called on travelers to support the striking workers by cancelling their hotel stays if the workers are on strike. They have also urged travelers to demand penalty-free refunds from the hotels. The union is advocating for a fair deal that upholds the rights of workers and ensures that hotel companies prioritize the well-being of their employees.
This strike comes as 40,000 Unite Here hotel workers across 20 cities are facing expiring contracts this year. Negotiations for new four-year contracts have been ongoing since May, with approximately 15,000 workers authorizing strikes in 12 markets. The union is determined to secure better contracts for its members and has a history of successful negotiations, such as securing record contracts in Los Angeles in 2023 following rolling strikes.
The hotel workers strike in the US highlights the challenges faced by essential workers in the hospitality industry and underscores the importance of fair wages and working conditions. The Unite Here union’s efforts to advocate for the rights of hotel workers are crucial in ensuring that workers are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace. Travelers can support these efforts by standing in solidarity with the striking workers and demanding accountability from hotel operators.