Workers in eight US cities, including Boston, Honolulu, and Seattle, have walked off the job over the Labor Day weekend in protest of pandemic-era cost-cutting measures. The strike, organized by the UNITE HERE union, involves around 10,000 hotel workers from Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott chains who are demanding better pay and working conditions.
According to Gwen Mills, International President of UNITE HERE, hotels have made record profits but have not restored standard services like daily housekeeping and room service, leaving workers struggling to support their families. The union has authorized strikes in additional cities like Baltimore and Oakland, emphasizing the need for hotels to prioritize both guests and workers.
While Hyatt expressed disappointment in the strike, saying they have a history of cooperation with unions, they have contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions. Hilton and Marriott have not yet commented on the situation.
The Labor Day weekend is typically a busy travel period in the US, with AAA reporting a 9% increase in bookings compared to last year. The Transportation Security Administration expects a record 17 million people to travel during this time.
The strike highlights the challenges faced by hotel workers as they strive for fair treatment and pay in a post-pandemic world. As negotiations continue, the impact on both guests and hotel operations remains to be seen.
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