Hotel Workers Launch Multi-City Strike for Better Pay and Conditions

On August 31, 2024, more than 1,000 hotel employees in Boston and Greenwich, Connecticut, initiated a three-day strike, marking the beginning of a potential nationwide labor action. This movement, led by the Unite Here union, is expected to expand to other major US cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Honolulu.

The strike primarily affects properties operated by Hilton and Hyatt, two of the world's largest hotel chains. Hilton, founded in 1919, currently manages over 7,000 properties across 122 countries, while Hyatt, established in 1957, oversees more than 1,000 locations globally. The hospitality industry, which employs about 10% of the global workforce, has faced significant challenges in recent years.

Unite Here, representing 275,000 members, is advocating for higher wages, increased staffing, and reduced workloads. The union highlights that many workers struggle to support their families on current wages, with the average annual salary for hotel employees in the US ranging from $25,000 to $30,000.

The timing of the strike coincides with the Labor Day weekend, traditionally a busy period for travel. The Transportation Security Administration anticipates record-breaking passenger numbers, potentially leading to disruptions in hotel services.

This labor action follows a series of successful negotiations in 2023. In Los Angeles, thousands of hotel workers participated in rolling strikes, securing higher wages and more equitable workload guarantees. Similarly, Detroit casino workers achieved an 18% pay raise after a 47-day strike, while Nevada hospitality workers gained significant benefits following a strike threat.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the hotel industry, with global revenue per available room dropping by 52.5% in 2020. Many hotels implemented cost-cutting measures, reducing staff and services. According to Unite Here, hotel staffing per occupied room decreased by 13% between 2019 and 2022, leading to increased workloads for remaining employees.

"I'm on strike because I need higher wages. I currently have two jobs, and I work about 65 hours a week. One job should be enough."

The strike highlights ongoing challenges in the hospitality sector, including high employee turnover rates averaging around 70% annually. Hotel housekeepers typically clean 10-14 rooms per 8-hour shift, contributing to physically demanding working conditions.

As the strike unfolds, Unite Here is urging guests with reservations at affected hotels to cancel their stays and request refunds without cancellation fees. The union's actions reflect broader issues within the industry, which has struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels of service and employment.

The outcome of this strike could have significant implications for the hospitality industry, potentially leading to improved working conditions and wages for hotel employees across the United States. As negotiations continue, both workers and hotel management face the challenge of balancing economic recovery with fair labor practices in an industry that has been a cornerstone of the global economy for over a century.