This week, a significant number of hotel employees in the U.S. have initiated strikes as discussions between the UNITE HERE labor union and prominent hotel chains over cuts related to the pandemic remain unresolved.

The labor union indicates that further strikes could commence at any location nationwide, as negotiations are ongoing and many issues remain unaddressed.

During Labor Day weekend, over 10,000 union employees, including housekeepers, front desk staff, bartenders, and dishwashers, participated in strikes for two to three days at various Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Omni hotels in cities including Boston, Honolulu, and Seattle. With their contracts having expired, these workers are seeking improved wages, adequate staffing, and manageable workloads, as they continue to deal with the burdens of COVID-era cutbacks.

The hotel sector has rebounded since the pandemic, with room rates hitting unprecedented highs. In contrast, workers claim they still struggle to support their families, often juggling multiple jobs just to survive financially.

“I’m on strike due to my overwhelming and exhausting workload. I have a passion for my job and strive to serve our guests well, but with so few staff, I feel overwhelmed,” stated Jason Viveiros, a front desk agent at Hilton Hawaiian Village, in a statement. “My wife and I are expecting our new baby soon, and a reasonable workload would help me be physically and mentally present for my family instead of constantly drained.”

Which locations might see additional hotel strikes?

Due to the unfinalized negotiations, strikes can erupt at any moment in various cities involved with the labor union, including Baltimore, Boston, Honolulu, Kauai, New Haven, Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo County, and Seattle, according to UNITE HERE.

“Hotel workers will continue to strike until our labor is respected and our guests are cared for,” stated Gwen Mills, International President of UNITE HERE, in a press release. “The hotel industry is experiencing record profits while compromising guest services and neglecting workers. These large hotel corporations can afford fair pay and workloads that don’t overwhelm employees, while also reversing COVID-era cuts. We are entering a new phase of this struggle, with thousands of hotel workers prepared to persist on strike until we secure what our families require.”

Current hotel strike locations

As of Wednesday, roughly 4,000 hotel employees are on strike in Honolulu, San Diego, and San Francisco, with no end date in sight. Nevertheless, these hotels remain open and functional, though routine services like room service are likely to be limited or not provided.

UNITE HERE advises travelers to visit Fairhotel.org for information on hotels that are currently unaffected by possible strikes.