With unprecedented political support, strikers alert Hilton they will continue historic strike

HOUSTON—Strikers packed Houston City Hall on Tuesday to speak during City Council Public Session, alerting the Hilton Americas hotel and city officials that the strike, which began on Labor Day, will now continue until noon on Saturday, September 20.

“With this decision to extend the strike, workers are making it clear that business as usual will not continue in the city of Houston. This strike demands our city leaders decide if they side with working people who make our city run or if they side with the Houston First-owned Hilton Americas. We thank the many elected leaders across the aisles who have supported our strike,” said Franchesca Caraballo, Texas Chapter President of UNITE HERE Local 23.

“When Houston’s visitor economy thrives, working families should thrive too. Livable wages, safe working conditions, and dignity on the job are the foundation of a stronger, more just city. I’m proud to stand in solidarity with UNITE HERE Local 23 and all labor groups fighting for livable wages. Progress happens when workers raise their voices together,” said Council member Joaquin Martinez.

“Everyone deserves a life of dignity, and no one should have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. I am so proud to stand with the members of UNITE HERE Local 23 that have taken the brave and historic action of going on strike. I call on Hilton to do the right thing and meet the workers’ demands without delay,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis.

“I am a proud, dues-paying union member from a union family. I absolutely support the members of UNITE HERE Local 23 and was proud to walk with them during their strike at the world-famous Hilton Americas, right here in House District 147. It is my understanding that the Harris County Democratic Party plans to hold its 2025 Johnson Jackson Lee Richards Gala at that hotel. Let me be clear: if there is no fair contract, I will not cross the picket line. I will not attend. Working people deserve an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. UNITE HERE Local 23 makes Houston’s hospitality industry thrive, and the Hilton Americas – owned by the City of Houston – profits from their labor. Those profits should be shared with the workers. We will see if a contract is signed, and if Democrats truly stand with unions by moving the gala if it is not. Because the worst thing a Democrat can do is break a picket line,” said Representative Jolanda Jones.

“Workers in Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city, deserve the same fair wages as Hilton workers in other major cities like Chicago and New York. UNITE HERE workers are making those demands and I proudly stand firmly with them. One job should be enough to support a family, and that job should come with dignity and respect. It’s time for Hilton to get serious and come to the table with an offer the demonstrates that,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia.

The strike has gained broad support among political leaders of the city and region. The following elected leaders have visited strikers on the picket lines or sent a letter to Hilton management:

City Councilman Joaquin Martinez; City Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas; City Councilwoman Carolyn Evans Shabazz; City Councilwoman Letitia Plummer; City Councilman Julian Ramirez; City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin; City Councilwoman Sallie Alcorn; City Councilman Mario Castillo; City Councilman Edward Pollard; City Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum; City Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson; City Controller Chris Hollins; Commissioner Lesley Briones; Commissioner Adrian Garcia; Commissioner Rodney Ellis; County Attorney Christian Menefee; State Representative Christina Morales; State Representative Gene Wu; State Representative Jon Rosenthal; State Representative Jolanda Jones; State Representative Ana Hernandez; State Representative Senfronia Thompson; State Representative Penny Morales Shaw; State Representative Ann Johnson; State Representative Armando Walle; State Representative Mary Ann Perez; State Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons; Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia; Congressman Al Green; Former Mayor Annise Parker;
Former Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter; Candidate for City Council At-Large 4 Alejandra Salinas; Candidate for City Council At-Large 4; Sheraz Mohammad Siddiqui; Candidate for City Council At-Large 4 Jordan Thomas.

Workers are calling for higher wages of at least $23 an hour in a new union contract. Hilton workers’ contract expired on June 30, and they have been in bargaining with the company since June. In addition to fair wages, Hilton workers are fighting for fair schedules, fair workloads, and respect.

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UNITE HERE Local 23 represents 28,000 hospitality workers from universities and museums to airport concessions, hotel and parking attendants.
Local 23 members are active in Georgia, Mississippi, Charlotte, Nashville, DC, Boise, Indiana, Denver, New Orleans, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Virginia.