On Labor Day weekend 2024, a significant labor action unfolded in Boston, one of America's oldest cities and the birthplace of the American Revolution. Approximately 400 members of Unite Here Local 26 initiated a three-day strike at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza and three other hotels in the city, joining a broader interstate effort involving over 25,000 workers across nine cities.
The strike, occurring during one of the busiest travel periods in North America, caused notable disruptions to hotel services. Managers and temporary workers struggled to maintain operations as unionized employees picketed outside, demanding improved working conditions and compensation.
Lloyd Stan Hargrove, a 62-year-old maintenance employee with 41 years of service at the Boston Park Plaza, expressed the workers' determination: "We are going to strike until our demands are met. We are never going to surrender." This sentiment echoed throughout the striking workforce, many of whom wore shirts emblazoned with the slogan "One Job Should Be Enough."
The union's demands include:
- Higher wages aligned with the rising cost of living
- Fair staffing and workloads
- Improved benefits
- Reversal of pandemic-era cuts
Jerry Works, a 69-year-old housekeeper with 43 years of experience, highlighted the increasing workload without commensurate compensation. Similarly, Kevin Haynes, a cook for seven years, described the challenges of managing increased responsibilities with decreased staff.
"We are seeking a $10 raise to be phased in over four years, addressing the long-standing issue of wage stagnation in the hotel industry."
The strike garnered support from local political figures and labor leaders. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Governor Maura Healey, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined the picket line, demonstrating solidarity with the workers' cause.
While many guests expressed sympathy for the strikers, the disruptions caused inconvenience and frustration. Hotels attempted to mitigate the impact by offering explanations and, in some cases, room upgrades to affected guests.
As the strike continued into the night, adjusting to noise ordinances, it highlighted the ongoing challenges in the hospitality industry. With the average hourly wage for hotel workers in the US around $16.50 as of 2024, the struggle for fair compensation and improved working conditions remains a pressing issue in the sector that employs approximately 2 million people nationwide.
The Hilton Boston Park Plaza, which opened in 1927 as the Statler Hotel, stands as a symbol of the city's rich history. As this labor dispute unfolds, it also becomes a focal point in the ongoing dialogue about workers' rights and fair labor practices in the modern hospitality industry.