Hotel workers across the U.S. are calling for higher wages, fair staffing and workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era cuts. Many workers report working two or even three jobs because current pay is not enough to support their families.
Workers at three Seattle hotels went on strike over Labor Day weekend, at the Doubletree Seattle Airport, Seattle Airport Hilton & Conference Center, and Westin Seattle.
“I’m on strike because it’s time to get what we deserve. We need higher wages, a fair workload, and more in the pension,” said Violeta Reyes during the Labor Day strike, a house attendant at the Westin for more than two decades. “I’m living paycheck to paycheck. Between the house, bills, and food, I can’t save money. I have 14 grandkids and kids at home. It’s hard. You spend your life here working, and we don’t deserve more?”
Hotel strike press:
Seattle Times: Seattle-area hotel workers strike as part of national work stoppage
King 5: Washington hotel workers walk off the job, join thousands of others striking across the country
Fox 13: Seattle hotel workers strike on Labor Day, seeking fair wages and staffing