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More than 10,000 hotel employees are set to go on strike this autumn. This action may affect fall travel at some of the busiest hotels in the country, as workers demand improved pay and conditions.

As of Wednesday, over 50 hotels across major U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Honolulu, have already voted in favor of striking. In Hawaii, 94% of workers at six resorts—including the state’s largest, the Hilton Hawaiian Village—supported the strike. This week, more workers will decide if they will participate, according to the hospitality labor union UNITE HERE.

Those striking include housekeepers, servers, and front desk staff who are advocating for better wages and fairer workloads after experiencing increased demands due to the pandemic.

“Since COVID, businesses have bounced back, but wages have not,” Gwen Mills, International President of UNITE HERE, explained to YSL News. “We need wages to increase so that one job can support a family.”

Most major U.S. cities have seen the hotel market recover since last summer, with hotel rates increasing in response to demand. However, workers are still waiting to see the benefits of this recovery.

During the pandemic, many hotels cut back on staff and services like daily housekeeping, leading to an increased workload for fewer employees, even as guest bookings grew again. From 2019 to 2022, the number of workers per 100 occupied rooms in the U.S. hotel industry fell by nearly 14%, as noted by the union.

“The workloads have become exhausting and overwhelming,” Mills added.

“I’m prepared to strike for wages that allow me to support my family and proper staffing to care for guests,” stated Rachel Santos, a hostess at Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa in Waikiki and a UNITE HERE member. “I love my job and my family, and I’ll do everything necessary to protect both.”

Here’s what travelers need to know about the unprecedented number of hotel strikes occurring in August.

What’s prompting hotel workers to strike?

All contracts between the union and hotels are set to expire at the end of August. Union representatives are currently negotiating with hotel management on various issues, including the need for more staff. If negotiations fail when the contracts expire, workers can vote to authorize a strike, although that is considered a last resort.

“We aim to address as many concerns as possible before striking; we prefer to avoid a strike, but we will if necessary,” Mills stated.

The union asserts that current working conditions are unsustainable for hotel employees, who are just trying to make a living.

“My job has always been challenging, but it’s gotten worse,” said Consuelo Escorcia, a lobby attendant at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis responsible for cleaning public areas. The hotel previously employed six attendants but has cut that down to two or three since COVID. “I’ve sacrificed so much for this job, including undergoing four surgeries on my hand and shoulder. Yet, the hotel has only made my job more difficult.”

What hotels are affected?

A total of 66 hotels across the U.S. in cities like Boston, Providence, New Haven, Honolulu, Baltimore, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, and Seattle have contracts expiring by the end of the month. However, not all hotels will necessarily strike depending on the outcome of negotiations. The impacted hotels include brands like Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and Omni, with well-known locations such as Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza, San Francisco’s Palace Hotel, and Honolulu’s Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, and Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

In a statement to YSL News, Michael D’Angelo, Head of Labor Relations – Americas for Hyatt, said:

Our employees are the core of our business, and Hyatt has a longstanding relationship of cooperation with the unions representing our staff, including UNITE HERE. We are hopeful that we can reach mutually beneficial agreements without strikes, and we look forward to negotiating fair contracts that acknowledge the contributions of Hyatt employees.

Hilton, Marriott, and Omni have not commented immediately on YSL News’s request for information.

Travelers can check the labor union’s website to find out if their hotel staff might go on strike.

How will the strike affect my trip?

Guests at hotels experiencing strikes should anticipate a notably altered experience, since nearly all departments will feel the effects. Despite this, the hotel will technically remain open.

“Expect fewer food and beverage options, and housekeeping services may not be available,” Mills explained. “The staff responsible for these services will be outside instead, participating in picket lines.” Guests might notice the demonstrations, which could be quite loud.

D’Angelo noted that Hyatt properties have “contingency plans ready” to lessen the impact that potential strikes may have on hotel services.

The union encourages travelers to cancel their bookings and seek refunds if their hotel is set to strike, and to visit its website for alternative “socially responsible union hotels” in their destination area.

How long will the hotel strikes last?

It’s likely that these strikes will continue well into fall. The negotiation process can be lengthy.