News Summary
Workers at Hilton Americas-Houston have ratified a new contract following a historic 40-day strike initiated by Unite Here Local 23. The contract includes a minimum wage increase from $16.50 to $20 per hour, with plans to reach $22 by the end of the agreement. This landmark decision reflects the workers’ advocacy for better wages and conditions, as the strike saw significant community support. The contract also introduces enhanced job security, safety measures, and a 401K plan option, aiming to set new standards for the Houston hospitality industry.
Houston – Union workers at Hilton Americas-Houston have ratified a new contract following a historic 40-day strike that began on Labor Day. The strike, which was led by hospitality union Unite Here Local 23, marked the first hotel strike in Texas history, and it involved a variety of workers, including housekeepers, laundry attendants, and stewards, all advocating for better wages and working conditions.
The newly ratified contract secures significant wage increases, raising the minimum wage for the hotel’s lowest-paid workers from $16.50 to $20 per hour, with future guarantees that it will increase to $22 by the end of the contract. This increase reflects over a 20% raise for workers and is part of a broader initiative by the union to establish a minimum wage of $23 for all Houston hospitality workers.
Prior to the strike, workers first picketed Hilton Americas-Houston in July after their previous contract expired on June 30. They initially sought a wage increase to at least $23 per hour, pushing back against what they characterized as inadequate compensation in light of rising living costs. In August, they voted to authorize a strike, which was planned to last nine days but ultimately extended as negotiations continued.
During the strike, union workers received support from local elected officials and community members, including financial assistance through grassroots donations. As the negotiations progressed, a spokesperson for Hilton stated that the hotel was committed to negotiating in good faith with the union.
The newly ratified contract also introduces essential provisions such as strong job security protections, improved housekeeping workloads, enhanced job safety measures, and, for the first time, a 401K plan option. Additionally, the agreement stipulates that Hilton will cover any increases in healthcare premiums for workers.
Franchesca Caraballo, Texas chapter president of Unite Here Local 23, emphasized that this contract not only benefits the hotel staff but has the potential to set new wage standards for the hospitality industry throughout Houston. The union hopes that other companies in the area will take notice and follow suit in ensuring their workers receive a living wage.
Despite this victory for the Hilton workers, the agreement does not extend to unionized employees at the nearby George R. Brown Convention Center, where contracts are expected to expire between October and December. Unite Here Local 23 represents employees across several venues, including the Marriott Marquis and George Bush International Airport, and continues to advocate for improved conditions for hospitality workers.
This unprecedented outcome is anticipated to inspire other workers to organize and join unions, potentially strengthening their collective bargaining power. The strike highlighted the financial struggles that many hospitality workers face, particularly in affording basic living expenses amidst Houston’s record tourism revenue.
Officials from Hilton Americas-Houston expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating that it is beneficial for both their team members and the hotel. As negotiations continue in other sectors of the hospitality industry, the successful conclusion of this strike may have far-reaching effects, potentially encouraging more workers to seek better contracts and working conditions.
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Additional Resources
- Hotel Dive: Houston Hilton Union Hotel Workers End Strike
- Wikipedia: Hilton Hotels
- Houston Chronicle: Hilton Houston Strike Ends
- Google Search: Hilton Americas-Houston strike
- Hotel Dive: Houston Hotel Workers Picket Hilton Americas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Strike
- Houston Chronicle: Hilton Houston Strike Extended
- Google News: Hilton Americas strike Houston
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
