Workers at the Hilton Bayfront San Diego have agreed to a new contract after being on strike for over a month. The new four-year contract includes a significant wage increase for both tipped and non-tipped workers, improved pension and healthcare contributions, better gratuity policies for restaurant workers, and adjustments to paid time off. The agreement also addresses workload levels and protects against harassment, according to the union representing the workers, UNITE HERE Local 30.
UNITE HERE reported that the new contract was approved by a near-unanimous vote of about 94% by its members last Wednesday. Brigette Browning, the president of UNITE HERE Local 30, expressed her satisfaction with the new contract, emphasizing the importance of fair recognition and compensation for hotel workers in San Diego.
The strike began after the previous contract expired in early September, with over 700 Hilton Bayfront workers, including housekeepers, dishwashers, front desk agents, cooks, and servers, demanding better pay and the reversal of cost-cutting measures that led to excessive workloads. Yenifer Alonso, a housekeeper at Hilton Bayfront, highlighted the determination and solidarity of the workers throughout the strike, emphasizing the significance of the victory in securing a life-changing contract.
Meanwhile, unionized Hotel del Coronado workers, also represented by UNITE HERE Local 30 and managed by Hilton, have voted to approve a strike should an agreement not be reached before their contract expires on October 31. The demands of the Hotel del Coronado workers mirror those of the Hilton Bayfront workers, focusing on improved pay and protections against understaffing and excessive workloads.
Hilton expressed confidence in reaching a new agreement with the Hotel del Coronado workers without resorting to a strike or other labor disputes. The ongoing negotiations between hotel management and the union aim to address the concerns and demands of the workers while ensuring a fair and satisfactory resolution for all parties involved.
