September 25, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Unite Here Local 11 Considering A Hotel Strike That Could Start This Weekend

Strike Could Affect Hotels All Over Los Angeles and Santa Monica

By Dolores Quintana

UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents thousands of hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona, is considering a strike that could affect hotels all over the Los Angeles area, including several Santa Monica hotels, including Fairmont Miramar, Viceroy, Delfina, Le Merigot, Proper, Hampton Inn, and Courtyard Marriott hotels. The potential strike, which could involve more than 14,000 workers across dozens of hotels, has the potential to be one of the most significant hotel workers’ actions in the modern history of the US hotel industry.  Hotels in Westwood, such as the W Westwood, Century City, Fairmont Century Plaza, Beverly Hills, the Four Seasons Regent Beverly Wilshire and Waldorf Astoria, and Beverly Hilton, among others, could be affected. 

One of the largest hotels in Los Angeles, The Westin Bonaventure, has already reached an agreement on June 29, a day before the contracts expire, that covers the 600 union workers at the hotel. In a press statement, Nancy Cerrato, general clean public areas, housekeeping department, said, “With these extraordinary raises, I will no longer have to choose between paying my rent and putting food on the table for my family. We have given our lives to this industry. We deserve respect and to afford to live in the city where we work.”

The Unite Local 11 contracts expire at midnight on June 30. Since their members have voted to authorize a strike, the union’s leadership could call for a strike on the July 4th weekend.

According to UNITE HERE’s press release, despite hotels receiving $15 billion in federal bailouts during the pandemic and experiencing a surge in profits, hospitality workers continue to face challenges affording housing in the cities where they work. UNITE HERE Local 11’s key demands include an immediate $5 hourly wage increase to address the escalating cost of housing, affordable family healthcare, a secure pension plan, and a safe workload.

A recent survey conducted by the union revealed that 53% of workers have either moved in the past five years or are planning to move soon due to the soaring housing costs. In response to failed negotiations with major hotel employers such as Hyatt, Hilton, Highgate, Accor, IHG, and Marriott, UNITE HERE Local 11 members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, with 96% supporting the action.

Brenda Mendoza, a uniform attendant at the JW Marriott LA Live, expressed her support for the potential strike, stating, “I voted yes to strike because I commute two hours from my home in Apple Valley to downtown Los Angeles. I deserve to make enough money to live near where I work.”

Kurt Petersen, Co-President of UNITE HERE Local 11, criticized the industry for exploiting the pandemic while workers struggle to afford basic living expenses. He stated, “[The] 96% vote to authorize a strike sends a clear message to the industry that workers have reached their limit and are prepared to strike to secure a living wage.”

As Southern California prepares to host the back-to-back FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028, UNITE HERE Local 11’s press statement calls for industry and political leaders to address the housing crisis and transform tourism jobs into family-sustaining positions. The union’s goal is to ensure that these mega sports events do not exacerbate housing affordability issues and leave workers struggling to make ends meet in the future.

in News
Related Posts

Free Autonomous Car Rides Coming to Santa Monica and Venice

September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

In Addition to Vacant Driver’s Seats, Waymo Is Also Free of Emissions By Zach Armstrong Free and fully autonomous car...

Another Local Retailer Surrounding Palisades Village Closes Its Doors

September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

Simultaneously, a Series of Luxurious International Clothing Brands Have Set up Shop in the Outlet Mall By Zach Armstrong Within...

Venice Council Rejects Creation of Citizen Task Force on Homeless Shelter

September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

The Task Force Would Recommend the to Use Vacant Parcels for Interim Homeless Shelter By Nick Antonicello Retired attorney and...

141-Unit Affordable Housing Project in Venice Rejected by Council

September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

The Initiative Is Strongly Supported by Venice Housing Corporation and Received Previous City Council Support  By Nick Antonicello The September...

Venice Shorts: Illegal Encampments Expand to Commonwealth Avenue

September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

Commonwealth Now Victim to Additional Homeless Individuals East of Lincoln  By Nick Antonicello Another day, another illegal encampment comes to...

L.A. Times Declares Santa Monica Restaurant as Having “Best Grilled Cheese in the Universe”

September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023

Included Is Crispy Gruyère Cheese, “Like a Nutty, Sharp Cracker” By Zach Armstrong The “croque Matthieu”, featured on the bar...

Award-Winning Pizza Concept to Open Marina del Rey Location

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

New York Times Praised the Dining Concept as the “Most Successful Combination of Chewy and Crisp Crust.” By Zach Armstrong...

Venice Shorts: Charcoal, A Great Neighborhood Venue

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

Thriving Happy Hour of Bites, Wine, Cocktails and Beer!  By Nick Antonicello Located at the corner of Clune and Washington...

New Mural Honors Legends of Venice’s Skateboarding Community

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

The Mural Is a First-Time Collaboration of Local Muralists By Zach Armstrong In the Brooks Ct. alley behind Swartz Glass,...

Grammy-Winning Jazz Icon to Perform at Santa Monica Performing Arts Center, Mentor SMC Students

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

Clarke’s Impressive Body of Work Includes 70 Film and Television Scores, Leading To Three Emmy Nominations and a BMI Award...

LMU Gallery to Reopen With Retrospective Exhibit of Influential L.A. Artist

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

The Exhibition Honors Her Contributions to Addressing Social, Cultural, and Political Issues Loyola Marymount University’s Laband Art Gallery will reopen...

Venice Shorts: Exclusive Interview With Homeless Reformer Mary Theroux

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

A Bold, Blunt and Realistic Assessment of Why Homelessness From a Policy Perspective Is Dysfunctional and Out-Of-Control With Mary Theroux!...

(Video) Seniors on Walkers Using Bike Lane to Avoid Homeless Encampments

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

Elderly who reside at a Venice daycare center are resorting to the bike lane on their daily walk to avoid...

Santa Monica Serial Killer Charged in Homicide of Cellmate

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

The Man Pleaded Guilty Last Year in the Murder of Several Victims Including Three in Santa Monica By Zach Armstrong...

Fire Engulfs Marina del Rey Apartment, Two Injured

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

A Firefighter Sustained Minor Injuries During the Operation A significant three-alarm fire engulfed an apartment building in Marina del Rey...