Hundreds of employees from the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel have gone on strike over Labor Day weekend as part of a nationwide worker upheaval demanding better wages and working conditions.
Unionized workers at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel in downtown San Diego walked off the job over the weekend as negotiations for a new contract reached an impasse. Represented by UNITE HERE Local 30, the workers are demanding higher wages and improved working conditions, arguing that the latest contract offers from the hotel have not met their needs.
The strike, which includes over 700 employees such as bellhops, dishwashers, housekeepers, front desk agents, cooks, servers, and bartenders, is part of a larger movement of hotel workers across eight cities in the United States. These workers have walked off the job over similar grievances, citing chronic staffing shortages and unmanageable workloads due to cost-cutting measures by major hotel chains.
Bridget Browning, president of UNITE HERE Local 30, emphasized the financial difficulties faced by the union's members, noting that the current wages are not sufficient for employees to live comfortably in San Diego. Many of the lowest-paid workers earn around $24 per hour, which is inadequate to cover the high cost of living in the area, especially for those with families. Browning pointed out that workers are often forced to choose between fighting for a better contract or taking on a second job, as working 80 hours a week should not be necessary just to afford basic living expenses.
Unionized workers at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel in downtown San Diego walked off the job over the weekend as negotiations for a new contract reached an impasse. Represented by UNITE HERE Local 30, the workers are demanding higher wages and improved working conditions, arguing that the latest contract offers from the hotel have not met their needs.
The strike, which includes over 700 employees such as bellhops, dishwashers, housekeepers, front desk agents, cooks, servers, and bartenders, is part of a larger movement of hotel workers across eight cities in the United States. These workers have walked off the job over similar grievances, citing chronic staffing shortages and unmanageable workloads due to cost-cutting measures by major hotel chains.
Bridget Browning, president of UNITE HERE Local 30, emphasized the financial difficulties faced by the union's members, noting that the current wages are not sufficient for employees to live comfortably in San Diego. Many of the lowest-paid workers earn around $24 per hour, which is inadequate to cover the high cost of living in the area, especially for those with families. Browning pointed out that workers are often forced to choose between fighting for a better contract or taking on a second job, as working 80 hours a week should not be necessary just to afford basic living expenses.
In response, a Hilton spokesperson stated that the company's negotiating team remains committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement that benefits both their team members and the hotels.
UNITE HERE reports that approximately 15,000 workers have voted to authorize strikes at various Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and Omni locations across the U.S. More workers are expected to join the strikes in the coming days as contract negotiations continue to stall.
The union is seeking to build on recent successes in collective bargaining efforts in Los Angeles and Orange County, where they secured significant wage increases, higher employer contributions to pensions, and guarantees for fair workloads. Under the latest contracts won by UNITE HERE, some roles will see wages rise to over $35 an hour by July 2027.
It remains unclear how these hotel strikes will impact local operations at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront and other affected hotels. With over 700 workers on strike at the Hilton Bayfront alone, essential services such as housekeeping, front desk operations, food and beverage service, and maintenance could experience significant disruptions. Guests might face delays, reduced amenities, or limited services due to the reduced workforce.
Additionally, the strike's duration and the potential for more workers joining in the coming days could further strain hotel operations and customer experiences. The outcome of ongoing negotiations between the union and hotel management will likely determine the long-term effects on both the employees and the hotel industry in the region.
