By Doyinsola Oladipo and Mrinmay Dey
NEW YORK (Reuters) -Nearly 1,100 hotel workers in the U.S. cities of Boston and Greenwich are on a three-day strike after contract talks with hotel operators Marriott International (NASDAQ:), Hilton Worldwide, and Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:) reached an impasse, the Unite Here union said on Sunday.
The strikes, which began on Sunday, may spread to other cities across the US during the Labor Day weekend, as more hotel workers prepare to join the walkout.
Marriott and Hilton did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Hyatt previously told Reuters that it has contingency plans for a strike so that hotel operations are not affected.
Thousands of hotel workers will be on strike as 9% more Americans travel domestically over Labor Day weekend compared to last year, according to AAA booking data.
Unite Here, which represents workers in hotels, casinos, and airports across the United States and Canada, said disappointed hotel workers may strike in other major cities as they struggle to agree with hotel operators on wages and on reversing pandemic-era job cuts.
“Strikes have also been authorized and could begin at any time in Baltimore, Honolulu, Kauai, New Haven, Oakland, Providence, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle,” the union said in a statement.
The strike comes as 40,000 Unite Here hotel workers across 20 cities face expiring contracts this year. About 15,000 of those workers have authorized strikes in 12 markets from Boston to Honolulu.
Workers have been in negotiations for new four-year contracts since May.
“We won’t accept a ‘new normal’ where hotel companies profit by cutting their offerings to guests and abandoning their commitments to workers,” Unite Here President Gwen Mills said, demanding a better deal.
The union has urged travelers to cancel their hotel stays if the workers are on strike and demand penalty-free refunds.
Unite Here workers in 2023 won record contracts in Los Angeles following rolling strikes and in Detroit after a 47-day strike.
In Las Vegas, casino operators MGM, Caesars (NASDAQ:) and Wynn resorts reached an agreement in November to avert a strike with 40,000 hospitality workers days before a deadline that would have crippled the Vegas Strip.
As the strike of nearly 1,100 hotel workers in Boston and Greenwich continues, the impact is being felt across the United States. With the Labor Day weekend approaching, more hotel workers are preparing to join the walkout, potentially spreading to other cities.
Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Hyatt Hotels have been at an impasse in contract talks with the Unite Here union, leading to the current strike. While Marriott and Hilton have not responded to requests for comment, Hyatt has contingency plans in place to ensure hotel operations are not disrupted.
With a higher number of Americans traveling domestically over the Labor Day weekend, thousands of hotel workers are taking a stand for fair wages and job security. The union, representing workers in various sectors, is pushing for better working conditions and an end to pandemic-related job cuts.
As the strike unfolds, major cities like Baltimore, Honolulu, and San Francisco could see similar actions as negotiations between workers and hotel operators stall. The union has authorized strikes in multiple markets, signaling a growing movement among hospitality workers.
With expiring contracts for 40,000 Unite Here hotel workers in 20 cities, the push for fair treatment is becoming more urgent. Negotiations for new contracts have been ongoing since May, with workers demanding a “new normal” that prioritizes their well-being.
As travelers make their plans for the holiday weekend, the union is calling for support from the public. Cancelling hotel stays in solidarity with the striking workers and requesting penalty-free refunds sends a clear message to hotel operators.
The image of hotel workers marching and protesting in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of the power of collective action. In 2023, Unite Here workers achieved record contracts in Los Angeles and Detroit through strikes, highlighting the effectiveness of organized labor.
In Las Vegas, a potential strike was averted through agreements with major casino operators, showing that workers’ voices can lead to positive outcomes. The unity among hospitality workers is a force to be reckoned with, pushing for fair treatment and respect in the workplace.
Conclusion:
As the strike of hotel workers in Boston and Greenwich continues to make headlines, the solidarity and determination of workers are evident. The Labor Day weekend serves as a backdrop for a nationwide movement towards fair treatment and improved working conditions in the hospitality industry.
With negotiations at a standstill, workers across various cities are preparing to join the strike, amplifying their voices for change. The support of the public and travelers plays a crucial role in this battle for workers’ rights, as solidarity can make a significant impact on the outcome.
Looking ahead, the possibility of strikes in additional cities underscores the widespread discontent among hotel workers. The demands for fair wages, job security, and better treatment are resonating across the industry, setting a precedent for future labor actions.
As we witness the power of collective action and the resilience of workers in the face of challenges, it is clear that the fight for justice in the workplace is far from over. The stories of hotel workers standing up for their rights serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity in achieving meaningful change.
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