This weekend, more than 9,000 hotel workers went on strike in nine cities including Boston, Greenwich, Honolulu, Kauai, San Diego, San Francisco, Baltimore, Seattle and San Jose. Meeting professionals can expect more to come.
In addition, strikes were authorized in New Haven, Oakland and Providence. In addition, contracts for approximately 40,000 hotel workers are set to expire next year.
Higher wages that don’t cover living expenses and adequate staffing are both problems. According to Unite Here, many hotels are taking advantage of the pandemic to cut staff.
“Meeting groups should contact their hotel venues to confirm that all promised hotel services will be provided in accordance with the contract. Service quality will not be materially affected,” said attorney Joshua L. Grimes.
Managing meetings during a strike
Managing the strike is necessary. For example, the Santa Clara County Democratic Party plans to host a Democratic victory dinner on Sept. 13 at the Xenia Hotel in San Jose.
“We will monitor developments closely and make any changes to our activities if necessary,” James said in a statement. “We stand with workers and call on Signia, its parent company and affiliates to Negotiate to resolve disputes fairly.”
The Greater Boston Labor Council’s Labor Day breakfast has also been affected. Previously held at the Hilton Park Plaza Hotel, it has now been moved across the street to Statler Park. It doesn’t want attendees to have to cross picket lines.
Due diligence helps
The nonprofit Informed Meetings Exchange (INMEX), co-founded with Unite Here, provides meeting planning resources. “We advise our teams on expiring contracts, labor dispute risks and impending strikes. By doing our homework, we can avoid these issues and steer our clients to dispute-free hotels.
Contracts should include labor disruption remedies.
“Planners responsible for functions in the coming weeks should focus on reaching agreements with affected hotels to ensure they have the staff on site to successfully host events,” Grimes said. “If services are not delivered as promised, there could be consequences Contractual liability, but this is a consideration after the event date.”
