Thousands of U.S. hotel workers have gone on multi-day strikes in several cities after contract negotiations with major hotel operators Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Hyatt Hotels reached an impasse. The Unite Here union, representing workers in hotels, casinos, and airports, reported over 4,000 workers on strike in San Francisco, San Jose, Boston, Seattle, and Greenwich, Connecticut, with more workers ready to join the walkout in additional cities such as Baltimore, Honolulu, and Oakland. The disagreement between hotel workers and operators primarily revolves around wages and reversing job cuts that occurred during the pandemic.
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, thousands of hotel workers remain on strike, impacting the industry during a time when domestic travel is significantly increasing. AAA booking data shows a 9% increase in domestic travel compared to the previous year, causing potential disruptions in hotel operations due to the strike. While Hyatt expressed disappointment in the unions’ decision to strike, it remains committed to negotiating fair contracts and recognizing the contributions of its employees. The company also stated that it has contingency plans in place to minimize any impact on hotel operations.
With negotiations ongoing for new four-year contracts, 40,000 Unite Here hotel workers across 20 cities are facing expiring contracts this year. Roughly 15,000 workers have already authorized strikes in 12 markets in response to the challenges faced by hotel companies during the pandemic. Unite Here President Gwen Mills emphasized the importance of not accepting a “new normal” where hotel companies profit by cutting services to guests and neglecting their commitments to workers. The union is demanding a better deal for its members in terms of wages and working conditions.
In response to the strikes, the union has urged travelers to cancel their hotel stays if workers are on strike and requested penalty-free refunds. Unite Here workers have a history of successful negotiations, such as securing record contracts in Los Angeles in 2023 following rolling strikes, as well as in Detroit after a 47-day strike. As negotiations continue between the union and major hotel operators, the outcome of the strikes and their impact on the industry remain uncertain. The ongoing labor disputes highlight the challenges faced by hotel workers in the post-pandemic landscape and the importance of fair treatment and compensation for essential workers in the hospitality industry.
