After months of strikes and negotiations, thousands of hospitality workers in Southern California have overwhelmingly approved a new contract with 34 hotels. The contract, which will be in effect until January 15, 2028, includes significant gains for the workers.
Key provisions of the contract include higher pay, increased employer contributions to pensions, and fair workload guarantees. Non-tipped workers such as room attendants and cooks will see wage hikes of $10 an hour over the contract term, representing a substantial increase of 40% to 50%. Room attendants are expected to earn $35 an hour by July 2027, while top cooks will earn $41 an hour.
Tipped workers will also benefit from improvements such as double-time pay for holidays, vacation, and sick days, as well as increased shares of service charges. Additionally, automatic 20% gratuities at full-service restaurants will now be 100% shared by staff.
Health insurance coverage, with workers paying no more than $20 monthly for full family coverage, will be maintained under the new contract. The union, Unite Here Local 11, hailed the agreement as a transformative step that elevates hotel jobs to middle-class professional positions.
The coalition of hotels involved in the negotiations expressed satisfaction with the deal, emphasizing the increased compensation for employees. The California Hotel & Lodging Association spokesperson highlighted the benefits of the new contracts for both employees and the community.
The union's demands for higher wages and improved working conditions led to a series of strikes involving over 10,000 employees at 52 hotels in greater Los Angeles starting in July 2023. The strikes, pickets, and subsequent return to work actions ultimately paved the way for the new contract agreements.
Notably, a tentative agreement was reached with the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, the union's largest employer, just before the wave of strikes began. The union's success in securing favorable terms with this major hotel set the stage for similar agreements with other establishments.
Looking ahead, the union leader highlighted the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as an opportunity to push for further improvements in worker conditions. The union is advocating for family-sustaining jobs and affordable housing for workers in the lead-up to the Olympics.
