[Music] hi I'm Ronda parmesan and you're watching news cats over 10,000 hotel workers from the Unite Here Union began their strike on September 1st 2024 interrupting one of the busiest travel weekends of the Year this powerful movement has rippled through major cities across the United States and Hawaii affecting 24 hotels in key locations like Boston San Diego honolu ULU and Seattle as domestic travel is predicted to rise by 9% compared to last year workers are making waves in the hospitality industry that is still clawing its way back from the devastating impacts of the pandemic with tensions running high in the air curiosity grows around what has led to this bold stand for workers rights leading up to this strike negotiations with industry giants like Hilton Hyatt and Marriott faced a collapse unearthing deep frustrations over wages Staffing levels and working conditions that have yet to return to pre pandemic standards workers many of whom are struggling to make ends meat are calling for higher wages to support their Rising living costs just take a moment to consider the impact housekeepers in boltimore are seeking an increase from $16.20 to $20 per hour meanwhile Boston employees are demanding a $10 increase over a 4-year span this situation paints a vivid picture of the economic disparities in the industry with management reaping the benefits while workers are left juggling multiple jobs to put food on the table the message is clear their voices must not be silenced among the essential demands of these striking workers is the restoration of Staffing levels which have not rebounded since the pandemic imagine trying to deliver customer service at a bustling hotel with fewer staff than necessary workers are not just fighting for their own livelihoods but for the standards of the entire hospitality experience they are pushing for services that were standard before the pandemic particularly daily room cleaning which has fallen to the wayside it is a matter of dignity and respect in a sector that heavily relies on their hard work when guests arrive expecting a five-star experience but fa three star service due to lack of Staffing something's got to change key figures in this labor movement are stepping up to share their stories Gwen Mills the international president of Unite Here St Ed Hotel Giants are making record profits while turning a blind eye to the Urgent needs of both the workers and the guests Mary Tonia a single mother and housekeeper at Hilton Hawaiian Village spoke candidly about her challenges stating that working multiple jobs just to get by is exhausting and unsustainable meanwhile is SE a banquet food server from Boston expressed her fears about Rising rents saying I am terrified I will be priced out of my home these narrow narratives give a glimpse into the everyday battles faced by workers whose efforts largely go unseen their Unity showcases a broader Trend across various sectors brimming with labor actions all demanding better working conditions in this time of economic recovery as the strike unfolds it reignites discussions around the pandemic's enduring effects on the hospitality industry covid-19 has transformed how hotels operate resulting in Staffing cuts and altered service protocols that many workers are arue have not been reversed hotel chains have seen significant financial rebounds yet workers feel sidelined there are critical questions regarding the responsibilities of the hospitality industry moving forward are profits being prioritized over people as unions Rise Against corporate decisions that adversely affect workers this strike shines a spotlight on the crucial need for a more balanced approach in building a resilient industry it's an ethical dilemma that begs to be addressed this ongoing strike by Unite Here hotel workers is more than just a quest for fair pay and decent working conditions it represents the pressing socioeconomic issues of our times solidarity among workers illuminates their determination to restore vital Services ensure proper Staffing and secure better wages this struggle highlights the grit and resolve of a Workforce that refuses to be overlooked any longer if you find yourself gearing up for the Labor Day weekend festivities take a moment to appreciate the individual efforts of those diligently working behind the scenes their fight is our fight standing in solidarity with them is truly the perfect way to honor their hard work and dedication so what's your take how do you feel about the workers fight for fair pay drop your thoughts in the comments below and let's get this conversation rolling every voice counts in this ongoing journey toward Justice and equity in the workplace together we can help amplify these urgent conversations that shape the future of Labor rights meow I'm Ronda parmesan and this has been another newscat Special Report thank you for watching and don't go far because another breaking story is right around the corner me wow wow