Since the pandemic, the hospitality industry has gradually stabilized after its free fall in 2020. U.S. hotels have scored a victorious rebound as travel returned to pre-pandemic numbers, with the industry’s earnings increasing yearly.
However, this is a unilateral victory. Hotel workers argue that these profits haven’t translated into their compensation. Over Labor Day weekend, more than 10,000 workers went on strike at 24 hotels in eight cities — among them are Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt.
“On Labor Day and every day, from the ballot box to the picket line, UNITE HERE members know it’s up to us to fight for the wages and health care we deserve, demand workload protections, and get out the vote for elected officials who truly stand for the working people,” UNITE HERE President Gwen Mills, the union behind the strikes, said in an X post on Labor Day.
According to UNITE HERE, workers demanded a reversal of pandemic-era cuts, higher salaries, sufficient staffing and better working conditions. Workers have walked out of their jobs in Boston, Greenwich, Honolulu and more.
During the pandemic, hotels paused daily room cleanings, and now, some hotels have made this choice permanent. Room keepers said this adds to their daily responsibilities, making the eventual cleaning more stressful.
Each city’s strike lasted two to three days, which coincided with increased demand during Labor Day weekend, with travel up 9% from 2023.
Among this list of cities are some of America’s most expensive places to live. Many hotel workers expressed that their jobs simply don’t compensate enough for the growing cost of living.
UNITE HERE hopes to replicate its previous successes. In late 2023, after a 47-day strike against MGM Grand Detroit, Union members were able to secure new contracts, including an immediate 18% average pay raise.
Earlier this year, they were able to secure contracts with 34 hotels, in which most hotelkeepers will earn $35 an hour by 2027.
Since the strikes began, Hyatt and Hilton have issued statements, whereas Mariott did not respond to The Wall Street Journal’s request for a comment.
“We look forward to continuing to negotiate fair contracts and recognize the contributions of Hyatt employees,” Hyatt Head of Labor Relations Michael D’Angelo said.
A Hilton Spokesperson commented, “Hilton makes every effort to maintain a cooperative and productive relationship with the unions that represent some of our team members, and we remain committed to negotiating in good faith to read fair and reasonable agreements that are beneficial to both our valued team members and to our hotels.”