PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Unite Here Local 274, the union representing nearly 50 workers at the Hilton Garden Inn in Center City, said a “supermajority” voted to authorize a strike in early October amid major stalls in contract negotiations.
Workers at the Hilton Garden Inn in Center City said six colleagues were laid off when the company abruptly cut off new contract negotiations in March.
“The company is basically saying that these are the changes that they want, these are the changes that are going to go forward. If we don’t like it, quit,” said Tamika Lawson, who has been a housekeeper at the hotel for 11 years.
Lawson said the changes, which came after March, included ending daily room cleanings, but demanding workers clean more rooms in less time.
“By the time I finish work, just the walk home is exhausting; it’s painful.”
As part of new contract negotiations, workers are asking for a cleaning cap of 15 rooms a day, raises to $30 an hour and expansions for healthcare plans.
“We’re just trying to come to the city standard. We’re the only hotel in Center City that does not have a contract.”
Of the workers who voted on the strike authorization, 96% voted in favor.
GF Hotels and Resorts, the hotel manager, and Acres Commercial Realty, its owner, have not responded to KYW Newsradio’s requests for comment.
