Introduction to the Strike
Workers at the Hilton Americas-Houston are on strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The strike, which began in September 2025, has gained attention from the community and has sparked a debate about the fairness of the wages paid to hotel workers. The workers, who are members of the UNITE HERE Local 23 union, are seeking a $23 hourly wage, up from the current base rate of $16.50.
The Role of Houston First Corporation
The Houston First Corporation, a local government corporation that owns the hotel, has been criticized for its lack of transparency in the management of the hotel. The corporation has been accused of not providing clear information about the financial arrangement between the hotel and the management company, Hilton. Willy Gonzalez, the secretary treasurer and lead negotiator for UNITE HERE Local 23, has stated that the union has been unable to get a clear picture of the financial arrangement, which has made it difficult to negotiate with the hotel.
Financial Performance of the Hotel
Despite the challenges faced by the hotel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hilton Americas-Houston has rebounded and is now generating record-high revenue. According to public records, the hotel’s revenue-per-available-room (RevPAR) stood at $173 in the first five months of 2025, compared to $53 in 2021. The hotel’s management company, Hilton, receives two sets of fees – one for managing the hotel and the other for reimbursement of corporate services.
Fees Paid to Hilton
The fees paid to Hilton have been a point of contention between the union and the hotel. According to a management agreement obtained by Houston Public Media, Hilton received $2.2 million in management fees in 2024, up from $1.87 million in 2023. The services reimbursement fee also rose from $1.86 million in 2023 to $2.2 million in 2024. The union has argued that these fees are excessive and that the hotel should be more transparent about its financial arrangement.
Record Revenue for Houston First
The Houston First Corporation has seen record-high profit from the hotel in recent years. According to annual financial reports, the corporation saw a profit of $67 million in 2023 and $57 million in 2024. The corporation has attributed this success to the growth of the hospitality sector in Houston. However, the union has argued that this success should be shared with the workers, who are seeking higher wages.
Transparency Concerns
The union has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the management of the hotel. The management agreement obtained by Houston Public Media was heavily redacted, with 81 of the 116 pages fully redacted. The union has argued that this lack of transparency makes it difficult to negotiate with the hotel and to understand the financial arrangement between the hotel and the management company.
Calls for Audit
The union has called for a full audit of the Houston First Corporation, citing concerns about the lack of transparency and the fairness of the wages paid to hotel workers. The city controller has stated that his office is willing to work with the union to understand their request for an audit and to provide assistance.
Conclusion
The strike by workers at the Hilton Americas-Houston has highlighted the need for fair wages and better working conditions in the hospitality sector. The lack of transparency in the management of the hotel has made it difficult for the union to negotiate with the hotel and to understand the financial arrangement between the hotel and the management company. The call for a full audit of the Houston First Corporation is a step towards increasing transparency and ensuring that the success of the hotel is shared with the workers. Ultimately, the strike is a reminder that fair wages and good working conditions are essential for the well-being of workers and the success of the hospitality sector.
