BTN News: As travel surges during a bustling holiday weekend, over 10,000 hotel workers across the United States have launched a major strike, demanding better wages and a return to pre-pandemic staffing levels. The workers, represented by the UNITE HERE union, walked off the job at 25 hotels in key cities including Boston, San Francisco, and Honolulu after contract negotiations with major hotel chains—Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Hyatt Hotels—came to a standstill. This strike, which started on Sunday, highlights growing frustrations among hotel employees over increased workloads, reduced hours, and stagnant pay, potentially disrupting the travel plans of millions of Americans.
Growing Frustrations: Workers Demand Fair Pay and Staffing
The strike reflects deeper discontent among hotel workers who have faced significant challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many employees lost their jobs during the pandemic, and those who returned are grappling with heavier workloads and fewer hours. According to the union, hotel staff, such as room cleaners, are now expected to handle the same duties with fewer hands, resulting in more stress and declining service quality. Workers are seeking to restore daily room cleaning services, which have been significantly reduced, increasing their workload without proportional compensation.
“Since COVID, they expect us to provide a five-star service with a three-star staff,” said a worker at the Marriott’s Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
Wage Disputes in Different Cities
While demands vary by location, wage increases are a common denominator across the striking cities. In Baltimore, housekeeping staff are asking for a raise from $16.20 to $20 per hour. Meanwhile, in Boston, where cleaners currently earn $28 per hour, the union is pushing for an additional $10 per hour over the next four years.
Hyatt Hotels has stated that it is prepared to negotiate and has contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of the strike. Both Hilton and Marriott International have expressed a willingness to find a resolution, though they have yet to provide specific comments.
A Broader Labor Movement: Strikes May Expand
The strike is just one part of a broader labor movement involving 40,000 hotel workers represented by UNITE HERE in 20 cities, where contracts are set to expire this year. So far, 15,000 workers have authorized strikes in 12 markets, with potential actions looming in Baltimore, New Haven, Oakland, and Providence.
UNITE HERE warns that strikes could erupt in these cities at any moment, further disrupting hotel operations and guest services. The union also encourages travelers to avoid hotels where workers are on strike and to request refunds without penalties.
Hotels Under Fire: The Call for a Return to Pre-Pandemic Staffing
UNITE HERE argues that the hotels are using the pandemic as an excuse to cut staffing and services permanently. “We will not accept a ‘new normal’ where hotel companies profit by reducing their offerings to guests and abandoning their commitments to workers,” said Gwen Mills, president of UNITE HERE.
In Honolulu, 5,000 workers have already joined the strike, impacting over 10,500 hotel rooms. The union’s stance is clear: they want a return to pre-pandemic staffing levels and compensation that reflects the current economic environment.
Past Wins Bolster Union Confidence
This isn’t the first time UNITE HERE has faced off against hotel giants. In 2023, the union successfully secured record contracts in Los Angeles and Detroit following similar strikes. These victories have emboldened workers and the union alike, as they push for fair treatment in an industry they feel has neglected their contributions.
What Comes Next? Potential Impact on Travelers
For travelers planning stays at affected hotels, the union suggests considering alternative accommodations. As the AAA reports a 9% increase in domestic travel for Labor Day compared to the previous year, the strikes could mean unexpected changes for those with holiday reservations.
With contingency plans in place and ongoing negotiations, hotel chains like Hyatt are preparing to navigate the disruptions. However, the outcome remains uncertain as the union stands firm on its demands.
Conclusion: Workers Ready to Fight for Fairness
The hotel workers’ strike across the U.S. represents a critical moment for labor rights in the hospitality sector. As negotiations continue, the impact on the travel industry could widen, with more workers potentially joining the cause. The outcome of this labor action will likely set a precedent for future negotiations, as workers push back against a “new normal” that they say undermines their livelihoods.
