AMTV, San Francisco, Oct 30 – Over 94% of hotel employees have joined a protest that began on August 9th until now, aiming to secure higher wages, better pensions, and healthcare benefits. Protesters state that with the rising cost of living in San Francisco, the wages offered by the hotel management no longer meet their basic needs.
Many protesters have worked at the hotel for years, with some employees serving for as long as nine years or more. Negotiations with hotel management began as early as June, with employee representatives hoping to reach an agreement. However, despite multiple discussions, management still refuses to sign an improved contract. This deadlock led the protesters to begin their action five days before the contract expired on August 14th.
One protester remarked, “The hotel management not only failed to raise our wages but is also asking us to take on more work, all while paying us the least. This is behavior we cannot accept.”
Protesters emphasize that their demands are reasonable, calling for fair treatment and a basic standard of living. They declare that they will continue protesting if a fair contract cannot be reached.
This protest highlights not only the issue of wages and benefits but also the working conditions and fair treatment within San Francisco’s hotel industry. Protesters hope their actions will push hotel management to acknowledge their demands and reach an agreement that benefits both parties soon.
AMTV Reporter: Wade Qin