Hotel workers in Los Angeles march during contract negotiations.
Thousands of Striking Hotel Workers March Through Downtown Los Angeles
In a powerful display of solidarity, striking hotel workers and their supporters took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles on October 25. This massive march, organized by Unite Here Local 11, marked the union’s largest single-day labor action since the start of rotating work stoppages in July.
The demonstration began at Pershing Square, where participants gathered before the crowd quickly grew in size. Buses dropped off many supporters, and although it was unclear how many hotels were affected, union officials stated that workers from 50 hotels were expected to join the march.
Since the strikes began on July 2, the union has been staging walkouts at a few hotels at a time. However, this action on October 25 was the most widespread demonstration to date.
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According to Maria Hernandez, a representative of Unite Here, workers were on strike at several hotels, including the Pasadena Hilton, Hyatt Place Pasadena, DoubleTree San Pedro, Hotel Maya in Long Beach, and Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point.
Hotel officials claimed that the hotels remained open, with management and nonunion staff filling in. However, District Attorney George Gascón announced an investigation into allegations that some hotels were potentially violating wage and child labor laws by hiring homeless migrants, including those who recently arrived from Texas.
After rallying at Pershing Square, the march participants embarked on a journey through downtown, stretching for several blocks. Guided by union workers wearing green vests, the large group, mainly dressed in red t-shirts, blocked traffic and made their way to L.A. Live, where they rallied outside the Marriott hotel.
Despite the expansive nature of the march, there were no immediate reports of arrests. However, motorists had to divert their routes to accommodate the demonstration.
Representatives for the Coordinated Bargaining Group (CBG), which represents local hotels, accused the union of being inflexible in its demands. Keith Grossman, spokesman for CBG, stated that the work stoppages were misguided and detrimental to employees.
In response, Mr. Grossman emphasized that the CBG’s proposal would not harm employees’ healthcare and offered additional contributions if needed. However, he criticized the union for refusing to engage in good-faith negotiations and continuing to hurt Los Angeles with boycotts and intermittent work stoppages.
Unite Here Local 11 represents approximately 15,000 workers across 60 major hotels in Los Angeles and Orange counties. These workers include cooks, room attendants, dishwashers, servers, bellmen, and front desk agents.
The rally on October 25 aimed to protest poverty wages and the hotels’ alleged exploitation of unhoused refugees to replace striking workers. Workers have been demanding higher wages to afford the rising housing costs in the communities where they work.
The strike began on July 2, with the first wave targeting 21 hotels involved in contract negotiations. A second wave followed on July 10, affecting a total of 12 hotels. While the union has reached agreements with some hotels, negotiations with others are ongoing.
Hotel Maya in Long Beach, for example, has been waiting for the union to return to the bargaining table for a separate contract. The hotel claims to have made an offer, but the union has not responded.
What specific demands are the striking hotel workers in Los Angeles advocating for?
Aved flags and held signs that read “One Job Should Be Enough” and “No More Unfair Labor Practices.” Chants of solidarity and demands for fair wages and better working conditions filled the air as the march gained momentum.
The striking hotel workers are demanding better pay, improved healthcare benefits, and protection against sexual harassment in the workplace. Many of them work long hours for low wages, struggling to make ends meet in one of the most expensive cities in the United States. They argue that the hospitality industry, which generates billions of dollars in revenue, should prioritize the well-being of its workers.
The hotel industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many workers losing their jobs or facing reduced hours. As the industry begins to recover, the workers believe it is crucial to address the longstanding issues they have faced even before the pandemic.
The demonstration in downtown Los Angeles sends a powerful message to hoteliers and policymakers alike. It highlights the determination and resilience of the workers who are fighting for their rights. By coming together in such large numbers, they are showing that they will not be silenced or ignored.
The support from the community is also evident in the participation of various advocacy groups and labor unions. They understand the importance of standing in solidarity with the workers, knowing that their struggles are intertwined with the fight for fair labor practices across different industries.
The strike in Los Angeles is part of a larger movement of hotel workers across the country. Similar actions have taken place in cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and New York, as workers join forces to demand better treatment and fair compensation. Their united front demonstrates the collective power of workers and their ability to create change when they come together.
The march through downtown Los Angeles serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for workers’ rights and the importance of supporting those who are on the frontlines of this battle. It calls for a just and equitable society where all workers are treated with dignity and respect.
As the demonstration came to a close, the voices of the striking hotel workers echoed through the city streets. Their determination and resilience are evident as they continue to fight for a more equitable future, not only for themselves but for all workers who face similar challenges. The impact of their actions will hopefully lead to meaningful change in the hotel industry and beyond.
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