Strikes start as hotel workers seek higher wages

Housekeepers at major hotel chains, represented by the UNITE HERE union, have begun striking in several U.S. cities, demanding higher wages and the reinstatement of automatic daily room cleaning. Many hotels reduced daily cleaning services during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing environmental reasons, but workers argue this has led to overwhelming workloads and reduced hours. The strike, which involves around 10,000 workers across 24 hotels, reflects broader frustrations among hotel employees over working conditions, staffing shortages, and pay disparities. The union aims to secure better contracts, building on recent successes in Southern California. Despite hotels’ claims of labor shortages and efforts to raise wages, workers report that these improvements are insufficient to meet their needs.

Source: AP News