Chanting “demanding justice” and other slogans, thousands of hotel employees continued their strike on Tuesday after contract discussions broke down between the UNITE HERE labor union and several major hotel chains in the U.S.

About 15,000 workers, including front desk agents and laundry staff, are seeking higher pay, improved work conditions, and a return to the staffing levels that existed before the pandemic at various Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Omni hotels.

“We’re the reason the hotel operates around the clock,” said Aissata Seck, a union member and banquet server at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza, speaking to YSL News. “Without us, the hotel wouldn’t be in business today.”

Many employees express that they cannot afford to live in the same cities they serve guests in, despite claims from hotels suggesting otherwise.

What’s Behind the Hotel Workers’ Strike?

The hotel industry was heavily impacted by the pandemic, leading many hotels to reduce staff and cut back on guest services such as housekeeping and room service. While guest occupancy has improved, the union claims that staffing levels have not returned to adequate numbers.

“They have significantly reduced shifts and available positions—like housemen who assist us—with many facing unpredictable schedules to save costs,” said Afong Lam, a union member and room attendant at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, a hotel under the Marriott umbrella.

Lam explained that housemen previously managed tasks like vacuuming and cleaning, which she now handles in addition to her own responsibilities.

“Everyone is feeling the strain due to the increased workload,” she noted. “Working like this every day leads to exhaustion, and by the time I return home, I’m too tired to do anything.”

With the high cost of living in the Bay Area, she feels she cannot afford to take time off or call in sick. The same complaint is shared by Seck in Boston.

“Before the pandemic, my rent was $1,900,” Seck recalled. “Now it’s $3,000.”

This is unaffordable on her hotel salary, so she also works as an Uber driver and braids hair as side jobs to make ends meet. She wishes she could rely solely on her hotel position for income.

“It’s increasingly difficult,” she expressed. “You’re required to do more work but getting less pay.”

“Since the pandemic, hotels have seen a resurgence, but wages haven’t improved accordingly,” stated Gwen Mills, international president of UNITE HERE, before contracts expired at the end of August. “We need salaries to increase so that one job can support a person.”

In response to YSL News, Michael D’Angelo, head of labor relations for Hyatt in the Americas, said:

“We have a longstanding tradition of providing competitive wages and benefits in every region, including extensive healthcare at little or no cost, along with retirement savings plans. We are committed to maintaining these standards at the hotels currently facing strikes, and our benefits and wages will stay the same while we negotiate a new agreement.”

Which Hotels Are Affected?

More than 65 hotels across the nation have approved strikes in locations like Baltimore, Honolulu, San Diego, and Seattle. However, not all have initiated strikes. For example, strikes have not taken place at Omni hotels, while those at Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott locations continue. Nearly 10,000 workers remained on strike as of Tuesday.

Lam remains optimistic.

“We hope the management will support us, to recognize that it’s tough to work like this day in and day out,” she said. “We trust that management can empathize.”

“Our employees are central to our operations, and Hyatt has a strong history of working collaboratively with the unions representing them, including UNITE HERE. We’re saddened that UNITE HERE has opted to initiate a strike while Hyatt remains open to continuing constructive negotiations,” stated D’Angelo. “We are eager to continue working towards fair contracts that acknowledge the valuable contributions of Hyatt staff.”

Similarly, a representative from Hilton commented to YSL News: “Hilton strives to maintain a cooperative and effective relationship with the unions that represent some of our staff. We are committed to engaging in honest negotiations to achieve fair and sensible agreements that benefit both our esteemed team members and our hotels.”

Currently, Marriott and Omni have not replied to inquiries from YSL News for comment.

How long will the hotel strikes last?

The ongoing strikes are expected to last up to three days, concluding on Tuesday, but additional strikes may occur if the involved parties are unable to reach an agreement.

“They need to finalize the contract before we can move forward and continue to advocate for our needs, as the struggle will never truly end. You have to fight for every single aspect,” Seck remarked.

What should guests expect?

Both Hilton and Hyatt have implemented backup plans to ensure that their operations continue smoothly.

UNITE HERE is advising guests to visit Fairhotel.org to locate hotels that are not affected by the ongoing strikes.

Contributing: Kathleen Wong, YSL News