Historic Hotel Strike Looms as Contracts End: 10,000+ Workers May Walk Out

With hotel contracts set to expire this month, more than 10,000 workers nationwide could strike, potentially marking the largest hotel strike in U.S. history. UNITE HERE has overwhelmingly authorized strikes in cities including Baltimore, Boston, Honolulu, and San Francisco, with additional votes pending in Oakland, San Diego, San Jose, and Seattle.

The potential strike could impact major hotel chains such as Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Omni. Gwen Mills, International President of UNITE HERE, emphasized that this coordinated strike across multiple cities is unprecedented, driven by demands for higher wages and better benefits. Mills criticized the hotel industry’s record profits and accused it of neglecting worker needs amid rising living costs and staffing cuts.

UNITE HERE’s strategy includes leveraging past successes, such as strikes at Los Angeles hotels and Detroit casinos, to push for fair wages and improved working conditions. Despite the industry’s financial gains, hotel staffing levels remain below pre-pandemic numbers, exacerbating workers’ grievances.

Travelers should anticipate disruptions if the strike proceeds. USA TODAY warns that while hotels will stay open, services like housekeeping and food and beverage may be limited. Striking workers may also picket outside affected hotels.

The union advises travelers to cancel reservations and request refunds if a strike occurs.