Houston, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Unionized hotel workers at Hilton Americas-Houston have initiated a nine-day strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The workers, represented by Unite Here Local 23, are advocating for a minimum wage of $23 per hour, a significant increase from the current average of $16.50. This strike, coinciding with Labor Day, highlights ongoing labor disputes in the hospitality industry, with union leaders emphasizing the need for improved living standards in a challenging economic climate.
Houston
Unionized hotel workers at Hilton Americas-Houston have begun a nine-day strike as of September 1, 2025, seeking higher wages and better working conditions. This striking action initiated by the workers’ union, Unite Here Local 23, marks a pivotal moment as it is the first hotel strike in Texas organized by the union. The timing coincides with Labor Day, highlighting the widespread labor disputes within the hospitality industry.
Workers are demanding a minimum wage increase to $23 per hour, significantly exceeding the current pay rate, which averages as low as $16.50 per hour. This disparity is stark when compared to Texas’ state minimum wage of $7.25, underscoring the challenges workers face in meeting the estimated living wage for the area.
Concerns regarding economic pressures have been expressed by union representatives. Franchesca Caraballo, the president of Unite Here Local 23’s Texas chapter, mentioned that workers urgently need wage increases to cope with the rising cost of living. In the past, negotiations with the hotel management had failed after the previous contract expired in June 2025.
A few dozen workers have taken to the streets, forming picket lines outside the hotel’s entrances, waving signs and chanting slogans in Spanish. They plan to protest daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. until the strike concludes on September 10, 2025. Union leaders expect this action to disrupt operations at the Hilton Americas-Houston, which features 1,200 rooms and is directly connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center.
In addition to wage demands, the union is advocating for various improvements, including enhanced safety protocols, manageable workloads, better quality cafeteria food, and a more generous leave of absence policy. Workers have reported difficulties making ends meet with current wages, sharing stories of personal financial struggles exacerbated by the increasing cost of living.
The strike follows a series of unsuccessful negotiations with hotel management. Prior to the authorization of the strike on August 14, 2025, workers engaged in various union activities, including press conferences and picket lines to raise awareness of their cause. Many workers, including those with long service records, have expressed the need for change to ensure sustained livelihoods.
Unite Here Local 23 represents approximately 28,000 hospitality workers across twelve states. The union aims not only to better conditions at Hilton Americas-Houston but also to address broader systemic issues within Houston’s hospitality industry. Union leaders hope to replicate the success of strike actions staged by hotel workers in major cities like Boston and San Francisco, advocating for fair treatment and improved living standards.
A Hilton spokesperson has acknowledged the union’s right to strike but emphasized the hotel’s commitment to fair negotiations with the workers.
Key Details of the Strike
- Strike Duration: Nine days (September 1 – September 10, 2025)
- Location: Hilton Americas-Houston
- Minimum Wage Demand: $23 per hour
- Current Wage: As low as $16.50 per hour
- Participation: Workers forming picket lines and conducting daily protests
Background Context
This strike is a response to ongoing labor disputes between workers and management, which intensified following the expiration of the previous contract in June 2025. The initiative signifies a growing trend among hospitality workers pushing for better wages and work conditions in an industry often criticized for its treatment of employees.
What are the main reasons for the strike at Hilton Americas-Houston?
The unionized hotel workers are striking for higher wages, specifically demanding a minimum wage of $23 per hour, improved working conditions, manageable workloads, better quality cafeteria food, and a more generous leave of absence policy.
How long will the strike last?
The strike is scheduled to last for nine days, from September 1 to September 10, 2025.
What has been the response from the Hilton management?
Hilton management has acknowledged the union’s right to protest and emphasized their commitment to fair negotiations with the workers.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Wage Demand | $23 per hour |
| Current Wage | $16.50 per hour |
| Duration of Strike | Nine days |
| Date of Initiation | September 1, 2025 |
| Union Involved | Unite Here Local 23 |
| Number of Workers Represented | About 28,000 in 12 states |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houston Hotel Workers Strike for Fair Wages and Safety
Hilton Hotel Workers in Houston Initiate Historic Strike
U.S. Hotel Revenue Per Available Room Declines Amidst Economic Pressures
Houston Hotel Workers Vote Overwhelmingly for Strike Authorization
Houston Hotel Faces Potential Labor Dispute Amid Negotiations
Additional Resources
- Chron: Hilton Americas-Houston Workers Strike
- Wikipedia: Labor Strike
- Houston Chronicle: Hilton Houston Hotel Strike
- Google Search: Hilton Americas Houston workers strike
- Travel and Tour World: Houston Hilton Workers Strike Impacting Local Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Union
- Hotel Dive: Houston Hotel Workers Approve Strike
- Google News: Houston Hilton workers strike
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.
