More than 10,000 hotel workers took advantage of Labor Day to strike for better working conditions, according to ABC News.
The union UNITE HERE said the striking workers work for 25 U.S. hotels. They come from all over the country, including Massachusetts, California and Hawaii. In fact, nearly half of the strikers are in Honolulu. They are seeking a significant wage increase.
Union president Gwen Mills lamented the fact that this workforce was not being recognised for its true value.
“Work is undervalued and it is no coincidence that this reality disproportionately affects women and people of color,” she said.
Conditions are particularly difficult for workers, according to a union post on the social network X.
“I’m on strike because it’s time to get what we deserve,” Violeta Reyes said through the union. “We need higher wages, a fair workload and a bigger pension. I live paycheck to paycheck. I have 14 grandchildren and children at home.”
Hyatt and Hilton have revealed that they have contingency plans in place due to the strike.
