HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A historic hotel workers’ strike is entering its third week. Union members say they want the Hilton Americas to pay them what they consider a living wage.
Already, the strike has indefinitely postponed the City of Houston’s State of the City Address and pushed back an annual Democratic Party fundraiser.
The strike began on Labor Day. It was supposed to last nine days, but now, they’re on day 15, hoping to negotiate a deal with Hilton.
Ayia Alvarez is a housekeeper who says she loves her job. Despite working 40 hours a week, she said she has trouble making ends meet.
They’re seeking $23 an hour, up from the minimum of $16.50 per hour.
“We are really here. We’re fighting because we’re struggling,” she told ABC13. “We put a lot of effort into our job, into the company. They get a lot out of us, you know. So I feel like we deserve better.”
The strike began after negotiations, which started in June, failed to reach a deal between the union and Hilton.
“The union workers decided they needed to do whatever it takes to win the living wages they deserve,” Franchesca Caraballo, Texas president of Unite Here, a labor union, said. “A wage that you can actually pay your rent, pay for food, (and) put your kids through school. We feel like $23 is a good starting point for the cost of living.”
Hilton manages the hotel on behalf of the owner, Houston First Corporation, which manages conventions, tourism, and economic marketing for the city.
ABC13 reached out to Hilton’s press team for an update. As of late Monday afternoon, they have not responded to our request for a statement.
For Kenyatta Oatis, a pastry chef at the Hilton Americas hotel, the strike is about what’s fair.
“They’ve been here working hard and they’re not getting paid for it,” Oatis said. “I love everything about my job, actually. I just want them to appreciate us and respect us.”
Houston Mayor John Whitmire postponed the city’s State of the City address indefinitely, he said, “out of respect for the ongoing contract negotiations,” which the union says today have not yielded a solution.
The workers, who include dishwashers, cooks, bartenders, servers, and maids like Ayia Alvarez, are hoping they reach a deal sooner rather than later. The strike could end as early as Sept. 20.
“We deserve more because we do a lot,” Alvarez said.
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