On September 2, 2024, more than 10,000 hotel workers initiated a strike across the United States, coinciding with the Labor Day holiday weekend. This action, organized by the Unite Here union, has led to significant disruptions in hotel services during a period of increased domestic travel.
The strike, affecting major hotel chains including Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels, and Marriott International, spans nine cities from Honolulu to Boston. Workers, donning red shirts and using makeshift percussion instruments, have formed picket lines outside these establishments. Their primary demands include higher wages to meet rising living costs and the restoration of staffing levels that were reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The timing of the strike is particularly impactful, as the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported a 9% increase in Labor Day weekend domestic travel compared to the previous year. This surge in tourism has amplified the effects of the labor action on the hospitality industry.
Hotel staff members, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, confirmed that services such as restaurants and housekeeping have been affected. A representative from the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach in Honolulu stated, "The hotel is open but it's very limited workers."
In response to the strike, Michael D'Angelo, head of labor relations at Hyatt, assured that contingency plans are in place to minimize operational impacts. Both Hilton and Hyatt have expressed their commitment to negotiating fair agreements with the union. Marriott has not yet provided a comment on the situation.
Gwen Mills, the International President of Unite Here, emphasized the significance of the strike:
"Hotel workers across the U.S. are celebrating Labor Day by fighting for raises, fair workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era service and staffing cuts."
This labor action follows a series of successful negotiations by Unite Here in 2023, including record contracts achieved through strikes in Los Angeles and a 47-day strike at Detroit casinos.
The current strike, scheduled to last up to three days, highlights the ongoing challenges in the hospitality industry, which employs over 2 million people in the US. With average hourly wages for hotel workers ranging from $13 to $15, the union's demands reflect the broader issues of fair compensation and working conditions in the sector.
As the industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Labor Day strike serves as a reminder of the essential role played by hotel workers in maintaining the quality of service in one of America's largest economic sectors.