CENTER CITY (KYW Newsradio) — Workers from Unite Here Local 274 hit the picket lines Sunday outside of the Sheraton at 17th and Race, and Hampton Inn at 13th and Race, after they said new contract negotiations have stalled.
Katrina Quarles with Unite Here Local 274 said the call to go on strike comes as employees have been working without a new contract since last year.
“We just started negotiating in June and they stalled,” said Quarles. “Some of the basic things that we ask for that don’t even involve money, they’re not willing to give us until 2028, which is an insult because it’s not even about money.”
The striking workers include hotel room attendants, cooks, and bartenders. Some of what workers are asking for include reasonable staffing, better healthcare coverage, and wage increases.
Emiliano Rodriguez, also with Unite Here Local 274, said rising inflation is the reason they’re asking for higher wages.
“Cost of living is crushing our members,” said Rodriguez. “The MIT living wage calculator for a single person plus one dependent is close to $45 an hour right now.”
Stephanie and Lucas were guests at the Sheraton this weekend, and stood in solidarity with the striking workers, echoing their demands.
“Give them the money, they work hard,” said Stephanie.
“They worked hard for it,” said Lucas. “Give them the money.”
KYW Newsradio has not received comment from either hotel’s management group about the strikes.