Thousands of hotel workers across the US went on strike on Sunday in protest of pay and working conditions, threatening to disrupt Labor Day weekend travel for many. The strike, organized by the Unite Here union, affected hotels in cities such as Boston, Seattle, Honolulu, and various cities in California, with potential for more cities to join in the coming days.
Workers are demanding wage increases and the reversal of job cuts made during the pandemic, which have allegedly increased workloads and created harsh working conditions. The union pointed out that as the hotel industry has rebounded, room rates are at record highs, yet many workers cannot afford to live in the cities where they work. Unite Here’s international president, Gwen Mills, emphasized the need to address the disparity and ensure fair treatment for workers.
The strike impacted 24 hotels in eight cities as of Sunday morning, coinciding with what was expected to be a busy Labor Day weekend for travelers. The union has accused the hotel industry of using pandemic-related cutbacks as an excuse to permanently reduce staff and guest services and is encouraging guests to cancel their bookings and demand refunds.
The strike, scheduled to last three days, follows months of negotiations between workers and major hotel chains including Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Omni. Hyatt expressed disappointment at the strike decision and reiterated its commitment to fair negotiations and recognizing the contributions of its employees.
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