Introduction

Thousands of hotel workers across the United States have gone on strike, demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and a reversal of pandemic-related service cuts. The strike includes employees from major hotel chains like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, and has spread across nine cities including Baltimore, Boston, Greenwich, Honolulu, Kauai, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle.

Reason for the Strike

Gwen Mills, International President of the Unite Here union, emphasized the strike is a response to the hospitality industry’s recent record-breaking profits while workers continue to struggle. According to Mills, many hotels have yet to restore essential services like daily housekeeping and room service, which were standard pre-COVID. These unresolved issues have prompted the union to take action.

Locations and Duration

The strikes affect 25 hotels and are expected to last up to three days in each participating city. Additional strikes have been authorized in New Haven, Oakland, and Providence. While the affected hotels will remain operational, Unite Here has warned potential guests of continuous picket lines outside these properties.

Responses from Hotel Chains

Representatives from Hyatt expressed their disappointment with the strike, emphasizing the company’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. Hyatt’s Head of Labor Relations for the Americas, Michael D’Angelo, stated that contingency plans are in place to minimize disruptions. Similarly, Hilton has stated its commitment to fair negotiations, while a spokesperson from Marriott has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Union’s Track Record

The Unite Here union has a proven track record of organizing successful strikes. A previous action in Southern California resulted in substantial wage hikes, increased employer contributions to pensions, and fair workload guarantees for workers at 34 hotels. This history of effective negotiation underscores the union’s determination to achieve meaningful improvements for its members.

Conclusion

The ongoing strike by hotel workers represents a critical moment in the hospitality industry’s recovery post-COVID. As workers and management navigate these negotiations, the outcome could set significant precedents for labor conditions across the sector.