SEATTLE — Over 100 Embassy Suites Pioneer Square hotel workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 8, went on strike here June 18. The next day a spirited rally marked Juneteenth — a holiday that began when Union soldiers entered Texas and ended slavery there June 19, 1865. Pickets at the Hilton-owned hotel were joined by members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and other unionists as World Cup matches got underway steps away at the Seattle Stadium.
Picket lines are staffed daily beginning at 7 a.m. to noon and lasting into the evening on World Cup game days. “Support is really strong. The fight is really resonating with people. Half a dozen unions have shown up, even Gov. Ferguson,” Jake Douglas from UNITE HERE told the Militant June 30.
Strikers told the Militant the hotel is charging thousands of dollars for special rooms during the Cup, while offering workers a measly 40 cents raise. Workers are also demanding year-around healthcare coverage and more staffing. After cutting the staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has loaded up workers with more work as business has picked up.
The union is also asking for a commitment by the company to inform workers if Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up at the hotel. “Immigrants work here and do all they can do to keep up on their papers. We want to know when ICE is here,” said Nick Polson, a striker who has worked at the hotel for about three years and is a housekeeping supervisor. “Another big thing we want is workers shouldn’t lose their health insurance in the winter slow season, when they’re put on shorter hours. You have to work a minimum of so many hours to keep your insurance.
“We want to be treated with respect,” he said.
Polson said they’ve been getting support from area workers, including Boeing workers, Teamsters and Amtrak workers. The hotel is across the street from the entrance to the Amtrak station.
Dom Kaur, 27, said she has worked at the hotel over a year on the front desk. She said management and temps are working seven days a week to try and cover jobs strikers usually do. “The front desk now has to cover what used to be three jobs,” she said. “There’s no bellman, no concierge, no one dedicated to answer calls from guests like there used to be. It’s insane what they expect!”
This Militant worker-correspondent told pickets that co-workers on the railroad are following their strike with interest. Join the picket lines at 255 S. King St.! Donate to the UNITE HERE strike fund at https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/4irgxeme6nod.