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 Through UNITE HERE's Hotel Workers Rising campaign, thousands of hotel workers in upscale properties across North America are rising up to improve their jobs and secure better lives for themselves and their families. In 2006, room rates are hitting new highs. But instead of sharing in the hotel industry's record profits, many hotel workers-largely minority and immigrant women-earn poverty wages and are forced to work two jobs to get by. Others are getting injured on the job because of understaffing and an increase in room amenities like heavier mattresses and linens. Wages for the same jobs vary wildly from city to city, and workers struggle to make ends meet and keep important benefits like health care and retirement plans, as well as their right to organize a union. By standing together, hotel workers are sending this message to the hotel industry: We are determined to make our jobs safer, middle-class jobs on which we can support our families. |
 Download these fact sheets about the campaign's most important issues: Hotel Industry and Record Profits Why Hotel Housekeeping is Dangerous Work |
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| Stella Galon When it was announced that we got a contract, I didn’t cheer in front of everybody in the room ‘cause I’m kinda shy. But I wanted to scream like a kid, it meant so much. So when I got in my car, I couldn’t help it…I just screamed ‘cause I was so happy. Then, when I went home that night, I walked into the house as usual. I went to say hello to my husband, you know, trying to be really cool. I said to him, “Guess what?” More about Stella Galon |
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Lois Tanaka I’ve always been a strong union person, and my participation on the bargaining committee has made me more sure and confident of the fact that what workers care about and what we say matters. This contract is about taking care of the employees, and recognizing that we are an important part of the Hilton’s success. It secures our health and welfare benefits, which means that if I get sick or my daughter gets sick we will be taken care of. More about Lois Tanaka |
| Vikki Stancu I felt elated and relieved when we got our contract. After all the fighting and all the waiting the front desk has finally united with our brothers and sisters! The front desk workers signed union cards in 2003. For all these years, we have fought to join with our brothers and sisters at the Airport Hilton so we could be stronger together. It was a hard struggle and there are so many people who deserve thanks - especially Valerie from the Housekeeping department who knew how powerful the Airport Hilton would be with all the workers united together. The fight was worth it. More about Vikki Stancu |
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How you can support hotel workers  
Planning an Event? Get help navigating the world of hotel labor disputes, so your trip or event isn't damaged |
Union Hotel Guide Find a union hotel in the U.S. and Canada |
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Boycott These Hotels Find out what hotels to avoid |
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Quick Facts:
 • Today, 80% of jobs in the U.S. and Canada are in the service sector. Half of low-paying job categories are in hotels and restaurants. • 35% of the working poor in the U.S. work full-time. • 59% don’t receive health insurance from work. • The more union hotels there are in a city, the more hotel workers are paid. In cities with few union hotels, workers are paid just $7 an hour. In cities with mostly union hotels, that rate more than doubles, to $19 an hour. |
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