Houston's Historic Hotel Strike: Workers Demand Fair Wages and Respect

HOUSTON, TX – THE HOTEL WORKER STRIKE IS ON!

The historic hotel worker strike continues at the Hilton Americas hotel in downtown Houston as workers demand higher wages and respect. This is the first strike of hotel workers in Texas history and began on Labor Day. The issue at hand is the disparity between workers’ wages and working conditions and Houston’s travel and tourism boom. Almost 54 million people visited Houston in 2024 according to Houston First data.

WORKERS ARE FIGHTING FOR THEIR FAIR SHARE!

“Hospitality and service workers are the heart of Houston’s busy tourism industry and we’re not getting our fair share of the money coming in,” said Franchesca Caraballo, Texas Chapter President of UNITE HERE Local 23. “This strike sends a message to Hilton and the other tourism companies in Houston that working people are demanding more for our work greeting visitors and guests to the city.”

THE DEMANDS ARE CLEAR: HIGHER WAGES, FAIR SCHEDULES, AND RESPECT!

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.

THE STORIES OF THE WORKERS ARE HEART-WRENCHING!

“I’m on strike for better pay, a fair schedule, and more affordable health insurance. I’m in need of a surgery right now, but if I were to take off, I wouldn’t be able to survive. I had to take out loans this month just to afford my rent. I haven’t been getting the hours I need even though I’m a full-time employee. I’m depending on partial unemployment to supplement my income because I’m not making enough at the Hilton alone,” said Cynthia Pratt, Server at 1600 Bar & Grille for 13 years.

“So, I’m out on strike walking the picket line and standing with my coworkers so that we get the fairness and respect that we deserve,” said Marcella Zaleta, a Cook at 1600 Bar & Grille at Hilton Americas.

THE IMPACT ON HOUSTON’S TOURISM INDUSTRY IS HUGE!

The potential long-term economic and social impacts of a hotel worker strike on Houston's tourism industry and the local economy can be significant. A strike by hotel workers can lead to a decrease in the number of tourists visiting Houston. This is because potential visitors may choose to avoid the city due to the uncertainty and inconvenience caused by the strike. For example, the lack of availability of hotel services can deter tourists from planning their trips to Houston, leading to a decline in tourism revenue.

THE STRIKE IS A WAKE-UP CALL FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY!

The strike at the Hilton Americas hotel in Houston is a reflection of the broader trend in the hospitality industry, where workers are increasingly advocating for better compensation and working conditions. The dispute highlights the ongoing struggle for fair wages and better working conditions for hotel workers. The strike is a wake-up call for the hospitality industry to address the concerns of its workers and ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

THE FUTURE OF HOUSTON’S TOURISM INDUSTRY IS AT STAKE!

The strike can also discourage future investments in the tourism sector. Investors may be hesitant to pour money into Houston's tourism industry if they perceive it as unstable or risky. This can hinder the development of new hotels, attractions, and infrastructure, further impacting the local economy. The strike can also damage Houston's reputation as a tourist destination. Negative media coverage and word-of-mouth can deter potential visitors from choosing Houston for their vacations or business trips.

THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW!

The strike is a call to action for all stakeholders, including hotel management, workers, and local authorities, to work together to resolve the strike in a way that minimizes these negative effects and promotes the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector. The strike is a reminder that the success of Houston's tourism industry depends on the well-being and satisfaction of its workers. The strike is a wake-up call for the hospitality industry to address the concerns of its workers and ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. The strike is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to create a more equitable and sustainable tourism industry in Houston.