Southern California Hospitality Workers Stage Strike for Better Conditions

Thousands of hospitality workers in Southern California initiated a strike on July 1, demanding better wages, healthcare, and working conditions. Unite Here Local 11, representing over 32,000 workers, organized the largest multi-hotel strike in the union’s history after unsuccessful negotiations with hotel employers such as Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott.

Several Los Angeles-area hotels, including InterContinental, JW Marriott, and Fairmont Miramar, experienced picket lines. However, the 1,358-room Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites reached an agreement with its 600 workers, offering higher wages, improved healthcare, and other benefits.

“This agreement takes steps ensuring that workers who work in L.A. will be able to live in L.A.” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of Unite Here Local 11. “Now the rest of the industry needs to step up.”

Unite Here Local 11 issued a warning of continued picket lines after the holiday weekend, expressing their determination to take further actions this summer. The Hotel Association of Los Angeles deemed the strike disruptive but managed to provide expected services through contingency plans.

Pete Hillan, a spokesperson for the association, mentioned that a bargaining group representing over 40 hotels made a strong offer weeks ago, but union leadership did not participate in recent negotiating sessions. The industry is hopeful for a serious return to the negotiating table.

“At this point, we need them to come back to the table in a serious fashion,” said Hillan. “But as far as our guests go, we have the staffing to provide all the services that our summer travelers are expecting.”

Despite the impact on the Fourth of July weekend, hospitality workers remain steadfast in their pursuit of fair treatment and improved conditions.