U.S. Hotel Workers Strike During Labor Day for Higher Pay and Fairer Conditions

Over 10,000 workers at 25 U.S. hotels went on strike during Labor Day weekend, demanding higher pay, fair workloads, and the reversal of pandemic-related cuts. The strike, organized by UNITE HERE, saw significant action in cities like Honolulu, Boston, and San Francisco. More strikes are anticipated in additional cities.

More than 10,000 workers at 25 U.S. hotels went on strike Monday, using the Labor Day weekend to highlight their demands for higher pay, fairer workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era cuts.

The UNITE HERE union, which represents the striking housekeepers and other hospitality workers, announced that 200 workers at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor were the latest to join the strike.

Nearly half of the strikers—about 5,000—are in Honolulu. Other striking locations include Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, and San Jose, California, with actions targeting major hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. The strikes are expected to last between one to three days.

UNITE HERE stated that 15,000 workers have authorized strikes, potentially affecting more cities like New Haven, Connecticut; Oakland, California; and Providence, Rhode Island.

Union President Gwen Mills emphasized the long-term struggle for family-sustaining wages comparable to traditionally male-dominated industries. "Hospitality work overall is undervalued, and it's not a coincidence that it's disproportionately women and people of color doing the work," Mills remarked.

Unionized housekeepers are particularly calling for the reinstatement of automatic daily room cleaning, arguing that workload increases and reduced hours have worsened post-pandemic. Many hotels have not restored pre-pandemic services, citing a lack of guest demand.

Michael D'Angelo, head of labor relations for Hyatt in the Americas, stated Monday that contingency plans are in place to minimize the strike's impact on operations. "We are disappointed that UNITE HERE has chosen to strike while Hyatt remains willing to negotiate," D'Angelo said, adding that he looks forward to negotiating fair contracts. Marriott and Hilton did not respond to requests for comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)