PHILADELPHIA — Union hotel and hospitality workers picketed for a new contract at the downtown Sheraton hotel July 23.
UNITE HERE Local 274 is demanding a contract covering workers at eight of the city’s hotels. They’re currently working under a contract that expired in 2024.
Workers are fighting for a living wage and an increase in pensions, better working conditions, a reduction in housekeeping room quotas, no job combinations and affordable health care, among other demands.
Local 274 represents 4,000 workers in the city’s hotel, restaurant, and food service industry.
Hotel, sport, entertainment and hospitality bosses are anticipating huge profits next year, as the city rulers prepare to profit from celebrating 250 years since the first American Revolution. Venues such as the Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center, Ben Franklin center and Valley Forge will host events expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. Hotels will be booked to capacity.
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game and FIFA World Cup matches will be played here.