BALTIMORE — Hilton Hotel workers at Baltimore's Inner Harbor have agreed to a new ratified labor contract.
After months of gridlock in the collective bargaining process, workers resorted to picketing andtemporary striking.
That all came to an end Monday when a deal was struck.
“This contract sets a new standard for Baltimore hotel workers, and will ensure that our members at the Hilton can go to work proudly with their heads held high for years to come" said Tracy Lingo, President of UNITE HERE Local 7. "I’m grateful to our allies in the community who have stood with us every step of the way, and most of all to our members at the Hilton who never stopped fighting for what they need.”
Here are some of the highlights of the new four-year labor contract.
- Significant wage increases for non-tipped and tipped hotel workers
- Increased funding for workers’ pension and healthcare fund
- Language around fair pay for banquet workers
- Language around subcontracting
Some workers expressed happiness with these newly negotiated additions.
“This is going to change our lives,” said Shantia Devon, a barista at the Baltimore Hilton. “I won’t have to choose anymore between spending time with my godson or running to food banks. I won’t have to wonder every day if maybe I need to take a second job.”
“This contract will not just transform the lives of those of us who work at the hotel, but our city and community.” Said Jeffrey Barner, a Bellman at the Baltimore Hilton. “We’ve set an example of what good jobs look like for the hard-working people of Baltimore. That it’s possible to work in hospitality and live here comfortably. That’s our future right there.”
Baltimore Hilton workers were among 10,000 nationwide who went on strike over Labor Day weekend.
Some are ongoing in Boston, Honolulu, and San Francisco, while others remain in limbo with more strikes possible.
Meanwhile, UNITE HERE Local 7 is still bargaining on behalf of Hyatt Waterfront workers, who've also taken to the picketing line.
