Workers at the some of the most popular Los Angeles area hotels could go on strike ahead of the holidays — possibly as early as Wednesday — if contract negotiations with management remain deadlocked, Unite Here Local 11 spokesman Andrew Cohen told L.A. Taco.
“We will have an action this Wednesday for sure. I can’t go into details but the locations will be [Downtown L.A.], Anaheim, and Santa Monica,” Cohen said.
Wednesday’s action will test the union’s strength in mobilizing its members, Cohen said. The union has not decided yet but, most likely, it will be at one of three landmarks: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel at 404 South Figueroa, Grand Sheraton Los Angeles at 711 South Hope Street, or the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles LA Live at 900 W. Olympic Blvd.
“The cost of living here in L.A. is really expensive. I don’t make enough to pay monthly bills like rent, babysitting, or my children’s schooling. That’s why if the company doesn’t listen to us, we are ready to go on strike,” said Dina Paredes, housekeeper at the Westin Bonaventure in Downtown L.A.
More than 20 labor contracts at hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental ran out on Nov. 30.