Hospitality Workers Ratify New Contract with 34 Southern California Hotels

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a groundbreaking move, Southern California's hospitality workforce has overwhelmingly ratified a new contract with 34 hotels after months of relentless strikes. The agreement, announced by Unite Here Local 11 on Monday, marks a significant victory for the workers.

The newly ratified contract secures a range of benefits for employees, including higher pay, increased contributions to pensions, and fair workload guarantees. With a resounding 98% approval rate, the contract is set to remain in effect until Jan. 15, 2028, bringing stability and assurance to thousands of workers in the region.

Room attendants, cooks, and other non-tipped workers are set to benefit from substantial wage hikes over the contract's term. These increases, totaling $10 per hour, represent a remarkable 40% to 50% raise, with half of the raise slated for the first year.

By July 2027, room attendants at most hotels will be earning $35 per hour, while top cooks will see their wages rise to $41 per hour. Tipped workers will also experience notable improvements, including double-time pay for holidays, vacation, and sick days, along with increased shares of service charges.

Furthermore, the contract ensures that automatic 20% gratuities at full-service restaurants will be fully shared among staff, fostering a more equitable distribution of earnings.

In addition to the financial gains, the contract maintains crucial health insurance benefits, with workers paying no more than $20 monthly for full family coverage. This provision underscores the union's commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for its members and their families.

The coalition of hotels involved in negotiations has welcomed the agreement, acknowledging the long-awaited resolution. According to Pete Hillan, a spokesperson for the California Hotel & Lodging Association, the ratification of the contract signals a positive step forward for both employees and the industry as a whole.

With the contract set to expire just months before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, union leaders have voiced their intentions to continue advocating for workers' rights. Kurt Petersen, co-president of Local 11, emphasized the union's determination to secure a new deal that includes family-sustaining jobs and affordable housing for workers.

The significance of this contract extends beyond its immediate impact, serving as a testament to the collective strength and resilience of Southern California's hospitality workforce. As the industry navigates evolving challenges, the ratified agreement sets a precedent for fair labor practices and dignified working conditions, shaping the future of hospitality in the region.

Source/Photo: APNews