Members of Unite Here Local 2 in San Francisco cast their votes for a new contract. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Unite Here
After three months on strike, 99.8 percent of striking hotel members of Unite Here Local 2 in San Francisco voted to approve a new contract with Marriott International. About 1,000 of the union's members remain on strike at Hilton and Hyatt properties.
The new four-year contract covers about 2,000 Marriott workers, including 1,500 who had been on strike. The deal preserves the current union health-care plan for workers and their families; provides strong wage increases through 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 the Westin St. Francis. “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.”
“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 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.”
"We are pleased to have reached a new labor agreement for our valued associates in San Francisco," Marriott said in a statement.
More than 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 brings an end to walkouts at the Palace Hotel, the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, the San Francisco Marriott Union Square and the Westin St. Francis. Workers at these hotels will return to their jobs Dec. 21.