UNITE HERE union members went on strike this Labor Day Weekend, including 133 workers at the Old Greenwich Hyatt. They joined 15,000 workers nationwide who have begun walking off the job after contracts expire at Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and Omni hotels in 12 major cities from Boston to Honolulu.
The workers are demanding higher wages and benefits to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Hyatt spokesperson said the hotels have contingency plans to minimize the impact of the strikes. The Old Greenwich Hyatt is just finishing up a $40 million renovation.
Between the lines: According to the union, hotels took advantage of the pandemic, cutting staffing and suspending guest services that were never restored. Concerns are that "hotels become the next airline industry where guests pay more and get less while workers are left behind."
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