Unionized hotel workers at Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown went on strike and walked off the job Sunday, June 21, after the union and management failed to come to an agreement.
The union, Unite Here Local 274, is bargaining for a $30 per hour minimum wage to be established by 2028, as well as improved benefits, including healthcare coverage for workers’ family members.
The strike comes just one the day before France and Iraq compete in a FIFA World Cup soccer match at Lincoln Financial Field (aka “Philadelphia Stadium” for soccer fans) and a few days before another match between Curacao and Ivory Coast. Previous World Cup matches have flooded the city with tourists from around the world.
“These hotel rooms are selling, and they’re charging exorbitant rates,” said Unite Here Local 274 Vice President Briheem Douglas.
The prospect of a busy summer tourist season provided the union with leverage to get hotel owners to agree to contracts at five other unionized hotels in the city, according to Douglas.
“Workers have bargained in good faith with this company way before the World Cup started,” Douglas said. “Other hotels have gotten there, and this place hasn’t.”
Read the full story at the link in our bio.
📝 by Brett Sholtis / Staff
📸 by Tom Gralish / Staff
Unionized hotel workers at Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown went on strike and walked off the job Sunday, June 21, after the union and management failed to come to an agreement.
The union, Unite Here Local 274, is bargaining for a $30 per hour minimum wage to be established by 2028, as well as improved benefits, including healthcare coverage for workers’ family members.
The strike comes just one the day before France and Iraq compete in a FIFA World Cup soccer match at Lincoln Financial Field (aka “Philadelphia Stadium” for soccer fans) and a few days before another match between Curacao and Ivory Coast. Previous World Cup matches have flooded the city with tourists from around the world.
“These hotel rooms are selling, and they’re charging exorbitant rates,” said Unite Here Local 274 Vice President Briheem Douglas.
The prospect of a busy summer tourist season provided the union with leverage to get hotel owners to agree to contracts at five other unionized hotels in the city, according to Douglas.
“Workers have bargained in good faith with this company way before the World Cup started,” Douglas said. “Other hotels have gotten there, and this place hasn’t.”
Read the full story at the link in our bio.
📝 by Brett Sholtis / Staff
📸 by Tom Gralish / Staff
