Hospitality union calls for all events to boycott LA

“Don’t eat, sleep, stay or party,” a Unite Here Local 11 representative has advised travelers and events organizers, as the union’s calls for solidarity expand.

By Noelle Mateer • Aug. 25, 2023

Union workers are protesting hotel wages in Arizona, too

Though not currently on strike, Unite Here workers in Arizona are picketing for some of the same reasons as strikers in Southern California.

By Noelle Mateer • Aug. 22, 2023

Union calls for boycott of 3 Southern California hotels amid allegations of violence

Unite Here Local 11 has filed unfair labor practices against the hotels, claiming they committed or condoned violence against striking workers.

By Noelle Mateer • Aug. 21, 2023

Taylor Swift urged to cancel LA concerts over hotel strike

The superstar’s concert Thursday night continued as planned. But as the six-night L.A. stop continues, striking hotel workers aren’t backing down, and California politicians have lent their support.

By Noelle Mateer • Aug. 4, 2023

How hotel worker strikes are impacting LA’s events industry

Some organizers say event disruptions will harm the region as it recovers from a pandemic slump, while others believe canceling is the right thing to do.

By Noelle Mateer • July 25, 2023

Black employees underrepresented in hospitality leadership roles: report

While Black representation in hotel leadership positions rose slightly in 2022, Blacks remain underrepresented, according to a Penn State School of Hospitality Management report.

By Jenna Walters • July 24, 2023

Southern California hotel workers return to picket line in third wave of strikes

Unite Here Local 11 resumed walkouts after no progress was made in a bargaining session this week.

By Noelle Mateer • July 21, 2023

Santa Monica union hotel workers file for nation’s highest minimum wage

Employees are asking for minimum pay of $30 an hour as Southern California navigates the largest multihotel strike in the region’s history.

By Noelle Mateer • July 20, 2023

Second wave of Southern California hotel strikes ends — but labor strife continues

Bargaining between Unite Here Local 11 and hotels resumes this week, but the union says more strikes could occur.

By Noelle Mateer • July 18, 2023

Union workers start second wave of hotel strikes in Southern California

The multihotel strike continues as area hoteliers push back against workers’ demands.

By Noelle Mateer • July 10, 2023

Housekeeper files lawsuit against California Hilton alleging failure to protect workers

The Hilton Irvine worker claims the hotel violated the city’s Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance by neglecting to provide functioning panic buttons.

By Jenna Walters • July 6, 2023

LA union hotel employees are back at work — but plan to strike again

Unite Here Local 11 warned that the three-day hotel strike — the largest in Southern California history — was just the "first wave."

By Noelle Mateer • July 6, 2023

Thousands of LA hotel workers walk off the job

Union workers went on strike ahead of the busy July Fourth holiday.

By Noelle Mateer • July 2, 2023

As potential worker strike looms, hoteliers need solid contingency plans

Hotels in Southern California need to prioritize flexibility.

By Rayna Katz • June 30, 2023

Union workers reach deal with Westin hotel in Los Angeles

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, the largest hotel in downtown Los Angeles, avoided a work stoppage by striking a deal for union workers.

By Noelle Mateer • June 30, 2023

Hoteliers look for innovative ways to hire emerging talent

At AHLA and Hotel Management’s Hospitality Show, industry executives discussed how hotels can attract and retain Gen Z talent.

By Jenna Walters • June 30, 2023

Hospitality union launches website claiming mistreatment at Accor properties in DC, California

Workers at a Fairmont in California and a Sofitel in Washington, D.C., detail alleged poor working conditions on AccorHotelAlert.org as hotel union activity ramps up nationwide.

By Noelle Mateer • June 27, 2023

300 people, including 2 LA City Council members, arrested during hotel worker demonstration

Union hotel workers blocked traffic near LAX 10 days after they voted to authorize what could become the largest hotel strike in U.S. history.

By Noelle Mateer • June 23, 2023

Marriott sued by LA guests over ‘junk fees’

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim a mandatory “worker protection” fee violates California laws.

By Jenna Walters • June 22, 2023

Marriott expands refugee hiring goal as hotels build back labor force

The company plans to hire more than 3,000 refugees throughout Europe and the U.S., which is still recovering from pandemic-related labor challenges.

By Jenna Walters • June 21, 2023

Southern California union votes to authorize largest hotel worker strike in US history

The vote could result in as many as 15,000 striking workers at dozens of hotels as early as the July Fourth holiday weekend.

By Noelle Mateer • June 13, 2023

Hospitality employment rose in May, but hoteliers report lingering labor woes

A new survey by AHLA found hoteliers are still struggling to fill open positions despite increasing wages and expanding employee benefits.

By Jenna Walters • June 7, 2023

What the NAACP’s travel advisory means for Florida’s hospitality industry

Critics of the advisory — even those supportive of its intentions — say Black hospitality businesses and communities stand to be negatively impacted, just as they regain their footing following the pandemic.

By Jenna Walters • May 25, 2023

Hoteliers lobby Washington for visa program expansion to address labor shortage

At AHLA’s Hotels on the Hill event, hundreds of hoteliers met with congressional leaders to encourage legislation that would address workforce shortages at hotels.

By Jenna Walters • May 22, 2023

Culver City hotel workers file initiative to guarantee fair pay and protections against sexual assault

The initiative follows similar legislation that has already been passed in other California cities.

By Noelle Mateer • May 22, 2023