Marriott hotel workers continue their strike for better wages and benefits

Weeks ago, dozens of people gathered outside a hotel down town San Francisco. They were being loud and holding signs. At first, they seemed to be some sort of sports fans, you know, showing support for their team. Soon, it was clear the demonstration was not about sports. Anyone could hear the chanting and read the signs: “One Job Should Be Enough.” They also handed flyers indicating 2500 SF workers in 7 Marriott hotels were striking.

National Protest

San Francisco is going into the second month of hotel workers on strike. They demand better wages and other employee benefits such as health insurance. A couple of organizers from “Unite Here Local 2” (the union representing the workers) agreed to talk. They shared that Marriott had a recent millionaire merger with another transnational. Therefore, strikes are also present in San Jose, San Diego, Boston and various locations in Hawaii. Oakland strikes ended in November after reaching a deal.

Nix works as a butler in the SoMa district. She is a personal assistant at the Westin and she demands a wage that allows her to live closer to work and have her health protected. Several protesters in different locations (Union Square, New Montgomery, 4th St.) had their families with them, including children. Expressed their lack of health insurance and fears of getting hurt at work or laid off.

Another worker, from Nicaragua, devoted 20 years working for Marriott. Though she has seen negotiations help workers in the past, there has never been a bigger need for a regularization of employee wages, especially in a city as expensive as San Francisco. — perhaps we can all agree that no matter where you live, one job should be enough to raise a family, live and retire with dignity.

Both Sides

After repeated requests for an interview and over a week of waiting, Clandestino received an email from a Marriott Global communications and Public Affairs spokesperson.

“We immediately activated our contingency plans when those strikes commenced earlier (October 2018) and have continued to operate these hotels since then.” Marriott’s administration expressed it is “disappointed” with the noise levels, ensuring they will “continue to work with local police to address these issues.”

In a time of political hate, it is important to be able to communicate. The conversation needs to keep on going. Are workers getting the compensation they deserve? Is it too much to ask for a job that is safe, secure, and sufficient to live with dignity? If you happen to see a team of people in protest, ask yourself these questions. Maybe you can show them some support. Such as sports fans.

Photos by Allan Pineda