The employees at Marriott Hotel in downtown Baltimore were seen picketing outside of the hotel demanding higher wages for the staff.
A delegation of city council members and clergy leaders joined the workers in their fight to demand a fair process for workers to decide whether they want a union.
According to those rallying, many of the full-time workers are struggling to make ends meet with the low salary that they are given. Some say they have trouble paying for necessities such as rent and proper healthcare.
“They say I’m a full-time worker but most weeks I don’t even get 30 hours. My health insurance was cut off last quarter and I can no longer afford to take the medicine my doctor prescribed,” said Alex Dame, a Marriott banquet server since 2010. “If I don’t average at least 30 hours a week in the next quarter I’m going to have to postpone the surgery I need. I never thought I would be in this situation but here I am.”
Another worker stated that they want to work hard for what they get, but they should also get what they deserve.
"One job should be enough. Me and my fellow employees are fighting for the rights to have more hours, were fighting for the rights to have better wages, we're also fighting to have better equipment to work with," said Sandria Williams, Marriott cook.
A Marriott International Spokesperson told WMAR-2 News that the company values the contributions of its employees and respects the right of people to voice their opinions.
