Introduction to the Strike
Hundreds of hotel workers at the Hilton Americas-Houston have decided to extend their strike until September 20, 2025. This decision marks an eleven-day extension of what union officials are calling a “historic” strike. The workers, who are part of the UNITE HERE Local 23 union, are demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
Demands of the Workers
The union is seeking a $23 hourly wage for its members, which is a significant increase from the current base rate of $16.50. The hotel management has offered a one-dollar raise to $17.50, followed by a 75-cent increase in January and additional 50-cent raises every six months. However, the union believes that this offer is not enough, considering the hotel’s profitability. According to Willy Gonzalez, a union official, "No one can deny that the hotel is extremely profitable. It’s doing well, but the people who have made that hotel a success have been betrayed by the hotel and the city of Houston."
The Strike’s Impact
The strike began on September 1, 2025, and was originally scheduled to end on September 9. However, with the extension, the workers will remain on the picket line until September 20. This is the first hospitality workers’ strike of its kind in modern Texas history. The union’s collective bargaining contract with the hotel expired on June 30, 2025, and the strike is a result of the failed negotiations between the union and the hotel management.
Reaction from Hotel Management and City Officials
A Hilton Americas corporate spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the extension or Gonzalez’s remarks about the ongoing negotiations. However, a Hilton spokesperson previously stated that the hotel’s management "makes every effort to maintain a cooperative and productive relationship with UNITE HERE Local 23, a union that represents some of the team members at the hotel." The spokesperson also said that the hotel remains committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair and reasonable agreement that is beneficial to both the team members and the hotel.
City Council’s Response
During a city council meeting, some union members spoke about their grievances during the public comment session. They talked about not receiving enough money to keep up with their bills or take care of their families. They also criticized Houston First, the city’s local government corporation, which owns the hotel, for a perceived lack of transparency. Union officials issued four demands of Houston First: regular public meetings, video streams of public meetings, detailed meeting minutes, and an audit.
Support from City Council Members
Several city council members have shown solidarity with the union. Council members Abbie Kamin and Edward Pollard shared outright support with the union during the meeting. Other council members, including Tiffany Thomas, Joaquin Martinez, Letitia Plummer, Martha Castex-Tatum, Mario Castillo, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, and Tarsha Jackson, have also visited the picket line to show their support. Kamin stated, "I think it’s important to note the historical nature of the strike that you all are leading, as the first of its kind in the state of Texas. All eyes are on you right now, not only fighting for yourselves and your families, but all hospitality workers in the state of Texas."
Conclusion
The strike by the hotel workers at the Hilton Americas-Houston is a significant event in the history of labor movements in Texas. The workers are fighting for higher wages and better working conditions, and their demands have received support from several city council members. As the city prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, the strike highlights the importance of fair compensation and transparency in the hospitality industry. The outcome of the strike will have a significant impact on the lives of the workers and their families, as well as the future of labor movements in the state of Texas.
