Over 10,000 U.S. Hotel Workers Go On Strike As More Cities Join The Fight

In a city where hospitality is king, the last thing you expect when checking into your hotel is that the people who make your stay comfortable are struggling. But that’s exactly what’s happening across America right now, and the wave of unrest has just hit Baltimore.

This morning, about 200 workers at the Hilton Inner Harbor in Baltimore put down their cleaning supplies, stepped away from the front desk, and joined a massive strike that’s sweeping the nation.

These aren’t just disgruntled employees—they’re the backbone of an industry that promises comfort, luxury, and care. Yet, they’re asking for the same in return: fair pay, better working conditions, and more staff to share the burden.

The strike, led by the union Unite Here, has spread like wildfire across nine U.S. cities—this includes Boston, all of the West Coast, and even Hawaii. In total, over 10,000 hotel workers have walked off the job, demanding more respectable wages, especially during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

While some workers returned to their posts earlier this week, the battle is far from over. The message is clear: it’s not just about the comfort of the guests; it’s about the dignity of those who make that comfort possible.

For a long time, visitors have come to feel at home, but now the people making that happen are finally asking for a little comfort of their own.

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Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor

cnn.com 'I walked out today because we just cannot keep working paycheck to paycheck, unable to pay our bills,' said Jerome Roberts, a dishwasher at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. 'Going on strike is hard, but not nearly as hard as trying to get by on what we are getting paid.'

For Jerome and many like him, the decision to strike wasn't made lightly. It was the culmination of years of feeling undervalued and unheard.

'We told the bosses in our negotiations how much we are struggling right now, but they didn’t care. We are on strike to make them pay,' he added.

Workers are raising their voices, calling for higher pay, better conditions, and more staff to help. The union is also pressing for a rollback of the pandemic-era cuts that hotels implemented. They argue that, despite a robust recovery in the travel and hotel sectors, workers' salaries have yet to reflect the benefits of this rebound.

While hotels remain open during the strike, guests are finding themselves navigating the limitations of a severely reduced staff.

'We’re on strike because the hotel industry has gotten off track,' Gwen Mills, International President of Unite Here, said in a statement on Sunday morning.'During COVID, everyone suffered, but now the hotel industry is making record profits while workers and guests are left behind. Too many hotels still haven’t restored the standard services that guests deserve. Workers aren’t making enough to support their families. Many can no longer afford to live in the cities that they welcome guests to.'

Labor Rights and Worker Solidarity

According to SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, labor rights are essential in pushing for fair wages and safe working conditions. Unionized workers are significantly more likely to earn better wages and benefits compared to their non-unionized counterparts.

As Dr. Jane McAlevey, a labor organizer and author, notes, 'The strength of a union lies in its solidarity.' Collective action amplifies workers' voices, making it crucial in times of unrest.

Dr. McAlevey emphasizes that effective organizing requires not just mobilization but also education, helping workers understand the power of their collective bargaining rights.

A group of passionate supporters rally near San Francisco's Union Square. They're standing in solidarity with hotel workers demanding fair pay and better working conditions.

Benjamin Fanjoy/AP

The strike isn’t just a local affair—it’s sweeping across some of the biggest names in the hotel industry. Major chains like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott are at the center of the storm.

These hotels, collectively offering 23,776 rooms, span a wide range of cities: from Baltimore to Boston, and San Diego to Seattle. Even the sunny getaways of Honolulu and Kauai in Hawaii, as well as Greenwich, Connecticut, are feeling the impact.

The union is turning up the heat and has even hinted at a potential expansion of the strike to as many as 65 hotels across 12 different cities. This could soon include hotels in Oakland, California, Providence, Rhode Island, and New Haven, Connecticut.

Meanwhile, spokespeople for Hilton and Hyatt assured CNN on Friday that they are dedicated to negotiating agreements with the union. Regardless of the circumstances, they remain determined to keep serving their customers throughout any disruptions.

For now, these strikes are slated to last just three days.

With more cities potentially joining the movement, the pressure is mounting on hotel chains to address the workers' demands.

Both sides remain firm in their positions, but the outcome will hinge on whether the industry values the well-being of its employees as much as the comfort of its guests.

Dr. Richard Wolff, an economist, points out that the labor market is undergoing transformative changes influenced by the gig economy and corporate restructuring. His analysis shows how these shifts often leave workers vulnerable, lacking the protections that traditional union roles provide.

In light of ongoing strikes, he suggests that unions must adapt by embracing innovative strategies, such as community alliances and digital organizing tools. This approach could enhance solidarity and support for workers, making unions more relevant in today's economy.

Professional Assessment & Guidance

The current wave of labor strikes highlights a critical moment in the U.S. hospitality industry, reflecting broader social and economic challenges. Research shows that collective bargaining not only elevates wages but also improves workplace conditions, as noted by the Economic Policy Institute.

As workers unite across various cities, the call for solidarity echoes through the industry, reminding us that organized efforts can lead to meaningful change. Engaging community support and leveraging digital platforms could further empower these movements, ensuring that workers' rights are not just a fleeting trend but a sustained priority.