In a significant move, 13,500 hotel workers across Boston, Honolulu, San Francisco, and Providence, Rhode Island, are set to vote on authorizing strikes. This decision comes as contract negotiations with major hotel brands, including Hilton, Hyatt Hotels Corp., Marriott International, and Omni Hotels & Resorts, have stalled.
Hospitality union Unite Here announced that these votes will begin next month. Workers are currently engaged in negotiations at various properties, striving for higher wages, fairer workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era staffing cuts.
Union Push for Fairer Terms
"Without the proper staffing, my job is getting harder and harder," stated Jianci Liang, a housekeeper at the Hilton Park Plaza in Boston. Liang highlighted that there are 20 fewer room attendants now compared to the pre-pandemic period. This decline in staff has added to the burdens faced by hotel workers.
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If the workers vote in favor of strike authorization, strikes could commence immediately after their contracts expire. Some contracts have already expired in certain cities, while others are set to expire in the coming weeks, according to Unite Here.
Contract Expirations and Potential Strikes
Strike votes will begin on August 6, as announced by the union. Unite Here members are advocating for improved working conditions, emphasizing the need for higher wages and manageable workloads. The push for better terms is also driven by the desire to reverse the staffing cuts implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Momentum is building for strikes this year because workers are at a breaking point while the hotel industry is making record profits,” said Gwen Mills, the newly elected president of Unite Here. Mills pointed out that hotel companies exploited the pandemic to impose severe staffing cuts and reduce guest services, exacerbating the difficulties faced by workers.
Increased Pressure on Hotel Industry
More than 40,000 workers represented by Unite Here, the largest hospitality union in the nation, have contracts up for negotiation this year. Many of these workers have already participated in protests earlier this year, signaling their frustration and determination to secure better working conditions.
The hotel industry is currently experiencing record profits, making the union’s demands for fairer wages and workloads even more pressing. The potential strikes could significantly impact major hotel brands and force them to address the concerns raised by their employees.
Conclusion
As the contract negotiations drag on, the impending strike votes highlight the growing discontent among hotel workers. With the possibility of strikes on the horizon, the hotel industry may need to reconsider its approach to staffing and employee welfare. The outcome of these votes will be crucial in determining the next steps for both the workers and the hotel brands involved.
Source: Hotel Dive