As contracts between hotel workers and the hospitality union UNITE HERE are set to expire this month, over 10,000 employees could potentially participate in a nationwide strike if their demands for improved benefits and increased wages are not met. This strike could mark the largest in the history of the American hotel industry.

UNITE HERE has received strong support for strike authorization votes in cities including Baltimore, Boston, Honolulu, Greenwich, New Haven, Providence, and San Francisco. Additionally, voting will take place in Oakland, San Diego, San Jose, and Seattle to assess whether those workers should also authorize strikes.

The hotels affected span major chains such as Hilton and Hyatt as well as Marriott and Omni properties.

“This marks an unprecedented moment where hotel workers across so many cities have voted to authorize simultaneous strikes that could impact the entire hotel sector,” stated Gwen Mills, International President of UNITE HERE.

Mills further emphasized that “Hotel workers are gearing up for significant potential strikes because we don’t want the hotel industry to follow in the footsteps of airlines—where customers pay more yet receive less while employees struggle.” She criticized how hotel profits have surged while staff wages remain insufficient to meet living expenses amid staffing reductions that have made jobs increasingly challenging. “Workers are tired of being overlooked by hotels; we’re prepared to hold them accountable.”

The union noted it successfully negotiated record contracts following rolling strikes at hotels in Los Angeles and during a 47-day strike at casinos in Detroit. They expressed readiness to initiate a nationwide strike as a final measure to secure higher wages, equitable staffing levels, and workloads, along with reversing cuts made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the conclusion of the pandemic, hotels have faced challenges in returning to pre-pandemic staffing levels. While hotel workers are earning historically high wages and better benefits currently, these do not necessarily align with rising living costs. According to reports from the union, U.S. hotel staffing per occupied room remains 13 percent lower than it was in 2019 despite record revenues for hotel corporations.

Should a strike take place, travelers may experience disruptions even if hotels remain operational. The standard services like housekeeping or food and beverage offerings may be reduced or unavailable. Additionally, striking workers may choose to picket outside their respective hotels.

In light of potential strikes, the union encourages travelers to consider canceling their reservations at affected hotels and seek refunds directly through those establishments.