“Time for Hilton and Hyatt to Follow Marriott’s Lead,” Union Says

San Francisco, Calif. – After nearly three months on strike, hotel workers with UNITE HERE Local 2 have voted by 99.8% to approve a new union contract at Marriott hotels in San Francisco. The union cautioned that the city’s hotel strikes are not over; approx. 1,000 Hilton and Hyatt workers remain on strike.

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The new four-year contract will cover approx. 2,000 Marriott workers, including 1,500 who had been on strike. It preserves the current affordable union health care plan, which covers workers and their families; provides strong wage increases throughout the life of the contract; and creates new protections against understaffing.

“I’m so happy with this contract, because now I don’t have to worry about my health insurance or where to fill my prescription,” said Fe Cruz, a lobby housekeeper at Marriott’s Westin St. Francis for 25 years. “After 25 years as a housekeeper, I’ve had five surgeries for carpal tunnel, and without my health care I wouldn’t have been able to afford them. But our fight is not over until Hilton and Hyatt workers on strike also win affordable health care and fair pay.”

“We will keep fighting for a fair contract, and when we win, I will be able to offer a better future to my kids,” said Tannia Turcios Barraza, a dishwasher at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square for 11 years who remains on strike. “With a raise, I could give my kids a better education. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who has participated in the strike, even through the rain and cold.”

“Three months on the picket line have proven hotel workers’ determination to protect their health care, provide for their families, and help this city recover,” said Lizzy Tapia, President of UNITE HERE Local 2. “Marriott has stepped up and led the way. It’s time for Hilton and Hyatt to follow Marriott’s lead, and we look forward to meeting with them in the days to come.”

Over 10,000 hotel workers have gone on strike in eleven cities across the U.S. since Labor Day. The strikes in San Francisco began on Sept. 22 and grew to include 2,500 hotel workers. The deal with Marriott was reached late Wednesday night after five days of negotiations, and it brings an end to strikes at the Palace Hotel (Marriott Luxury Collection), San Francisco Marriott Marquis, San Francisco Marriott Union Square, and Westin St. Francis (Marriott). Workers at these hotels will return to their jobs on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Approx. 1,000 workers remain on strike at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco and Hilton San Francisco Union Square.

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UNITE HERE Local 2 is the hospitality workers’ union in San Francisco, San Mateo County, and the East and North Bay, representing over 15,000 workers in hotels, restaurants, tech cafeterias, sports stadiums, and at SFO and OAK.