Over the Labor Day weekend, some 10,000 hotel workers in eight US cities went on strike in protest against pandemic-era cost-cutting measures that have affected their pay and working conditions. The UNITE HERE union initiated the strike after failing to reach a deal with major hotel chains including Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott. The union’s International President, Gwen Mills, stated that despite record profits, hotels had not restored standard services like daily housekeeping and room service, leading to financial struggles for workers. The strike was called to demand fair treatment and wages for workers who can no longer afford to live in the cities they work in. The union warned of potential strikes in four additional cities.
In response, Hyatt expressed disappointment in the decision to strike but said they are committed to negotiating fair contracts. Hilton and Marriott did not immediately comment on the situation. The strike comes during a busy travel weekend, with AAA reporting a 9 percent increase in bookings compared to last year and the TSA expecting a record 17 million travelers. The hotel chains have contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions to operations. Hotel workers are standing firm in their demands for better working conditions and fair compensation as the holiday weekend unfolds.
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