Room Service Revolution

This story at a glance…

1. Over 10,000 hotel workers from Boston to Hawaii went on strike this Labor Day, demanding better pay and conditions.

2. With daily room cleaning cut back, jobs have been reduced by 40%, leaving the remaining staff overwhelmed.

3. Major hotel chains like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott are staying open but preparing for more disruptions.

4. The strike could soon expand to 65 hotels in 12 cities if demands aren't met.

Room Service Revolution

Labor Day is known for cookouts, parades, and one last summer getaway. But this year, guests at 24 hotels across the U.S. got a little more excitement than they bargained for. Over 10,000 hotel workers from Boston to the sunny shores of Hawaii traded their uniforms for picket signs and took to the streets, demanding better pay and working conditions. 

Travelers might still be able to check in, but they’re checking into a whole new experience—one with a skeleton crew and a DIY approach to room service! 

What’s All the Fuss About?
So, what’s behind this unexpected Labor Day shuffle? The workers, represented by the UNITE HERE union, say they’re fighting for more than just a bigger paycheck. They’re calling for a return to pre-pandemic practices, like daily room cleaning, which was put on pause when COVID-19 hit. Gwen Mills, International President of UNITE HERE, summed it up like this: “During COVID, everyone suffered, but now the hotel industry is making record profits while workers and guests are left behind.” 

For many, the fight is also about keeping their heads above water in some of America’s most expensive cities. Take Aissata Seck, a banquet food server at Boston’s Hilton Park Plaza, who’s been serving up smiles for 18 years. She’s watched her rent skyrocket from $1,900 to $2,900 in just five years. “My pay only covers my rent,” she shared, now relying on Uber driving to make ends meet. And she’s not alone—Apple Ratanabunsrithang, a cook in San Francisco, has had to double up on jobs to survive while holding onto vital health care benefits. 

When “Do Not Disturb” Becomes the Default Setting
One big sticking point is the lack of daily room cleaning. Since the pandemic, many hotels decided to make daily tidying up optional, and that hasn’t sat well with workers—or guests. According to Mills, this policy has slashed housekeeping jobs by nearly 40% and left those who remain with back-breaking workloads, trying to clean rooms that haven’t seen a vacuum in days. 

The result? Guests might find a little more “character” in their rooms than they hoped for, and housekeepers are feeling the strain like never before.

Hotels’ Take: “We’re Still Open!”
The major hotel players—Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott—are disappointed but determined to keep things running smoothly. They’re eager to negotiate, but they’ve also promised to stay open for business, strike or no strike. Michael D’Angelo, head of labor relations at Hyatt, struck a hopeful tone: “We look forward to continuing to negotiate fair contracts and recognize the contributions of Hyatt employees.” 

But this showdown could just be getting started. The union is threatening to expand the strike to as many as 65 hotels in 12 different cities if their demands aren’t met. So, if you’ve got a reservation coming up, keep an eye on the news—you might be making your own bed for a bit longer!

Strike History: Déjà Vu?
This isn't the first time these hotel workers have flexed their labor muscles. Just last year, the same union pulled off a similar move over the Fourth of July weekend, striking at 65 hotels in Southern California. That action ended after a few days, but they kept up the pressure with rolling strikes throughout the year, timing them perfectly with big events like concerts and holidays. 

This time around, the strike is set to last three days, but if history is any guide, we might see more of these labor walkouts in the months to come.

Reflection
Labor Day is a moment to appreciate the dignity of work and the people who do it. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 22:16, “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” This verse encourages us to consider how we treat those who work hard around us, especially those who may feel unseen or undervalued.

As we go about our daily lives, it's important to recognize the contributions of all workers and strive for fairness and justice in our communities. Treating others with respect and advocating for fair conditions reflects God’s love in our actions. Let's pray that we all have the courage to stand up for what is right, promoting dignity, fairness, and compassion for everyone, no matter where they work or what they do.