On Labor Day weekend 2024, the U.S. hospitality industry faced significant disruption as more than 10,000 workers at 25 hotels initiated a strike. This action, organized by the UNITE HERE union, aimed to highlight demands for improved compensation and working conditions.
The strike affected major hotel chains including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt across several U.S. cities. Honolulu saw the largest participation with 5,000 workers, while Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, and San Jose also experienced substantial walkouts. The duration of these strikes varied from one to three days.
UNITE HERE, formed in 2004 through a merger of two unions, represents housekeepers and other hospitality workers. The union's president, Gwen Mills, emphasized the need for fair compensation in an industry predominantly staffed by women and people of color.
A key issue for strikers is the reinstatement of daily room cleaning, a service reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many hotels have not restored this practice, citing decreased guest demand. However, workers argue this has led to unmanageable workloads and reduced income.
The hospitality sector, employing over 17 million people in the U.S., was severely impacted by the pandemic. In 2020, the industry lost nearly 4 million jobs, with average housekeeper wages hovering around $13 per hour. The sector's high annual turnover rate of 70% further underscores the challenges workers face.
Michael D'Angelo, head of labor relations for Hyatt in the Americas, expressed disappointment over the strike but affirmed the company's willingness to negotiate. Hyatt, founded in 1957, operates over 1,000 properties globally and has implemented contingency plans to minimize disruptions.
The strike's timing on Labor Day weekend is significant. This federal holiday, established in 1894, traditionally honors the American labor movement. The current action reflects ongoing struggles in the hospitality industry, which has evolved significantly since the early 20th century when daily room cleaning became standard practice.
As the strike continues, its impact may extend to other cities, including New Haven, Oakland, and Providence. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the 6,000 Hilton properties worldwide and the 7,000 Marriott locations, potentially reshaping working conditions in the global hospitality industry.
"Hospitality work overall is undervalued, and it's not a coincidence that it's disproportionately women and people of color doing the work."
This labor dispute occurs against the backdrop of a recovering tourism industry. In Hawaii, where tourism accounts for 21% of the state's economy, the strike's impact could be particularly significant. Similarly, cities like San Francisco, with average hotel rates exceeding $200 per night, and Seattle, experiencing growth in its hospitality sector due to the tech boom, may face unique challenges in resolving these labor issues.
As negotiations continue, the hospitality industry faces a critical juncture in addressing worker concerns while adapting to post-pandemic realities. The resolution of this strike could set important precedents for labor relations in the service sector moving forward.