Author Archives for Ann Kammerer
UNITE HERE Local 23 proudly partnered with a coalition of several community groups to lead a canvassing program that knocked more than 46k doors in North Carolina’s Primary Election. Their efforts contributed to election night wins in high profile Democratic Primary races, ousting incumbent Democrats who sided with Republicans voting in favor of anti-immigrant and anti-LGBT legislation. This is a major win for working-class people, and for labor all across the state!
Congratulations to NC House District 27 Representative Rodney Pierce, District 99 Representative-Elect Veleria Levy, and District 106 Representative-Elect Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler.
Work in North Carolina has only just begun…
Workers at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel rallied demanding a fair contract, making it clear that “no contract, no peace.” With the FIFA World Cup and a record-breaking cruise season expected to bring major business to Vancouver, workers deserve wages that allow them to live in the city they help power.
Pan Pacific workers say they are proud to deliver top-notch service to guests and want a contract that reflects the value they bring to Vancouver’s booming hotel industry.
On March 6, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined the Culinary Union in a roundtable discussion on the state of tourism and hospitality in Nevada and how Donald Trump’s policies have impacted Las Vegas’ local economy and workers. As a result of Trump’s tariffs, immigration policies, and attacks on Canada, Las Vegas suffered a decline in total visitors of 7.5 percent in 2025, the worst in a non-pandemic year since 1970.
“Donald Trump has been the single most damaging factor for the Las Vegas economy since the pandemic. His illegal tariffs, harmful immigration policies, and fights with Canada have wreaked havoc on our tourism industry and its workers, ” said Senator Rosen. “I’ll keep fighting in the Senate against the terrible ‘Trump slump’ and the policies that are hurting our workers.”
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The World Cup would not be possible without New York’s hardworking hospitality workers. It’s up to us to make sure this once-in-a-generation event uplifts NYC’s workers!
Check out this video from HTC on the campaign launch, and stay tuned for more info!
Banquets and Convention Services workers at the Seaport Hotel in Boston secured a union contract early this year, winning affordable healthcare and fair raises. It was a long, three-year fight from going public with their union drive to reaching an agreement, but workers are thrilled that they are now on par with the citywide hotel union standard.
Food service workers employed by Aramark at Loyola University Chicago are fighting for a fair contract with decent wages and a stronger pension so they can retire with dignity. Joined by students and community members, workers held informational picket lines earlier this month.
Local 49 workers at Sky River Casino held a picket demanding the casino honor its agreement and recognize their union. Casino ownership promised in 2017 to recognize the union if a majority of workers signed cards. Workers delivered that majority in 2023, but the casino has still refused to follow through, even after two arbitrators and a federal judge upheld the agreement.
Workers have also highlighted how far their pay falls behind union standards at other Northern California casinos, with some reporting they earn several dollars less per hour for similar work. They are calling on the casino to respect the workers’ decision and come to the table for a fair contract.
Workers at Eastern Point Collective, which runs The Duck and The Peach, La Collina, and The Wells, are moving forward with a union election, scheduled for March 6th.
In December, a supermajority of workers presented management with a petition for a fair process to unionize, but management refused. Recently, the employer fired two union leaders. Workers will continue picketing to let the public know there’s no union contract and talking to customers with Scabby in the lead-up to the election.
Hundreds of dining hall workers employed by Aramark at Arizona State University walked out on strike on February 18, escalating their fight for a fair contract, safe staffing levels, and respect on the job. Workers say chronic understaffing and high turnover have pushed them to a breaking point, and wages have not kept up with the rising cost of living in the Phoenix area.
ASU dining workers include cooks, cashiers, dishwashers, baristas, and food service staff who keep dining halls running for thousands of students across multiple campuses. After months of negotiations and an overwhelming strike authorization vote, workers say they are prepared to stay on the line until Aramark agrees to a contract that addresses their core concerns.
On Thursday, February 13, Local 5 members at Hale Nani Rehab & Nursing Center reached a tentative agreement with management, averting an open-ended strike that was set to begin on February 23. In the tentative agreement, Hale Nani workers won back the hours and staffing management cut last year, affordable family healthcare, and significant wage increases.
“We fought hard to reach this tentative agreement and win a contract that provides the staffing we need to take care of our patients, along with the wages and healthcare we need to take care of our families today and tomorrow,” said Gilda Ellazar, Certified Nursing Assistant at Hale Nani. “From rallies outside of the facility to preparing to walk out on strike, our actions and determination paid off.”
