The woeful state of today's hotel industry. Associates, guests and communites v the money-driven corporate mob. Hospitality is dead
The union is lobbying against legislation backed by hotel corporations that would limit states’ ability to regulate resort fees. Hotel workers argue that resort fees, along with COVID-era service and staffing cuts, undermine the hospitality that guests expect reports Asian Hospitality
“We’re here because guests and workers share a common goal – we want hotels to reverse COVID-era cuts, protect guests from resort fees, and refocus on providing the best possible hospitality,” said Gwen Mills,?UNITE HERE’s president.
Despite hotel room rates reaching record highs and the U.S. hotel industry earning more than $100 billion in gross operating profit in 2022, workers report that wages are insufficient to support their families, often requiring them to work multiple jobs. Meanwhile, staffing per occupied room was down 13 percent from 2019 to 2022.
“I love my job, but dealing with frustrated guests over resort fees is a challenge,” said Briana Canencia, a server at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. “We want guests to stay with us, but those extra fees cause a lot of frustration.”
“We’ve been fighting staffing and service cuts since the pandemic,” said Violeta Reyes, a House Attendant at the Westin Seattle. “Between those cuts and extra fees, hotels are treating both workers and guests unfairly. That’s why we’re here in D.C.”
“I’m on strike because, despite record profits, I work three jobs to support my family,” said Aileen Bautista, a housekeeper at Hilton Hawaiian Village. “We’re committed to negotiating, but hotel management doesn’t seem to understand.”
John Shepherd (Marriott victim and hunger striker)
Anthony Capuano David Marriott Rena Reiss UNITE HERE!
#marriott #marriottinternational #marriottbonvoy #corruption #greed #hotelindustry