Houston, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Workers at Hilton Americas-Houston have voted overwhelmingly for a strike authorization, with 99.3% of participating employees in favor. The union, Unite Here Local 23, is advocating for better wages and working conditions, demanding a minimum hourly wage of $23. With rising living costs, many workers report that their current wages are insufficient. The union’s efforts extend beyond Hilton to include workers at other hotels, as they seek to improve conditions across the hospitality sector.
Houston Workers Vote Strongly for Strike at Hilton Americas-Houston
In a significant demonstration of worker solidarity, union hotel workers at Hilton Americas-Houston voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike authorization on Wednesday, with a remarkable 99.3% approval rate from those participating. The vote signals that a strike could occur at any time, as the workers seek better wages and working conditions.
The employees, represented by Unite Here Local 23, consist of over 400 staff members at the hotel. Their primary demand is for a minimum hourly wage of $23, emphasized during negotiations following the expiration of their contract earlier this June.
As living costs in Houston continue to rise, many workers have reported struggles with meeting basic expenses. For instance, a private branch exchange operator at the hotel mentioned that his wage of $16.50 has become insufficient to sustain living in an increasingly expensive city. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the living wage for a single adult in Harris County is currently $21.65, while it climbs to $36.52 for an adult with one child.
Additional Worker Demands
Beyond fair wages, the workers are also advocating for fair scheduling, reasonable workloads, and safe working environments. A long-time laundry attendant voiced concerns about extreme heat impacting her ability to perform her job safely, indicating wider issues regarding working conditions among hotel staff.
It’s worth noting that Unite Here Local 23 isn’t just advocating for Hilton workers. The union is also involved with other locations, including workers at the Marriott Marquis, George R. Brown Convention Center, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Contracts for these workers are set to expire between October 1 and December 1, prompting them to organize in hopes of aligning their negotiations with those of Hilton employees.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The Hilton Americas-Houston strike vote comes on the heels of a recent picketing event—a first for the hotel. Last year, hotel workers in various states participated in strikes for similar wage increases, indicating a broader trend in labor actions across the hospitality sector.
This move also aligns with the hotel industry’s current financial backdrop. In Houston, hotel revenues reached approximately $3 billion last year, reflecting a 15.5% increase from the previous year. Despite this growth in revenue, hotel workers claim they have not seen corresponding benefits and continue to grapple with rising living costs.
The union has actively campaigned for a minimum wage of $23 for hospitality workers citywide since April of this year. Similar campaigns are taking place across the nation, including an effort pushing for a $30 minimum wage in Los Angeles timed with the 2028 Olympics. Last year, approximately 13,000 unionized hotel workers nationwide went on strike, achieving wage increases in nearly all markets, including Hilton premises.
Management at Hilton Americas-Houston has expressed their intention to engage in negotiations in good faith, reaffirming a commitment to maintaining a respectful and fair workplace.
FAQ
What percentage of Hilton Americas-Houston workers voted for the strike?
Over 99% of participating workers voted in favor of the strike authorization.
What are the primary demands of the Hilton workers?
The workers are primarily demanding a minimum hourly wage of $23, fair schedules, reasonable workloads, and safe working conditions.
How does the current living wage compare to the workers’ wages?
Currently, the living wage for a single adult in Harris County is $21.65, while many workers at Hilton are making lower wages, such as $16.50.
Key Features of the Strike Authorization
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vote Result | 99.3% in favor of strike authorization |
| Number of Workers | Over 400 represented by Unite Here Local 23 |
| Minimum Wage Demand | $23 per hour |
| Living Wage for Single Adult | $21.65 in Harris County |
| Hotels Involved in Negotiations | Marriott Marquis, George R. Brown Convention Center, George Bush Intercontinental Airport |
| Last Year’s Revenue | $3 billion in Houston, 15.5% increase |
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Additional Resources
- Hotel Dive: Houston Hotel Workers Approve Strike
- Hotel Dive: Houston Hotel Workers Picket Hilton Americas
- MSN: Workers Authorize Strike at Houston Hotel
- Hotel Dive: LA Passed $30 Minimum Wage for Hospitality Workers
- Wikipedia: Living Wage
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF 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.
