Center City Hotel Workers Head to the Picket Lines
Unionized staff at two hotels in Philadelphia, the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, at 17th and Race streets, and the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center, at 13th and Race streets, initiated…
Unionized staff at two hotels in Philadelphia, the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, at 17th and Race streets, and the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center, at 13th and Race streets, initiated a strike on Sunday, Oct. 5. Approximately 190 workers are striking for better wages, pensions, health care, and elimination of understaffing before the busy 2026 tourism season.
Striking workers represent room attendants, cooks, and bartenders, who report their wages have not kept pace with inflation, making it difficult for them to meet basic needs. These issues, combined with chronic understaffing, have resulted in fewer workers having to work longer hours.
UNITE HERE Local 274, the union representing the hotel workers, has created a website where visitors can view the latest information regarding the strikes at Philadelphia hotels. UNITE HERE Local 274 represents 4,000 private sector hotel and food service workers who work at the stadiums, airports, and hotels throughout the Philadelphia region.
Workers said they are striking now ahead of the influx of visitors Philadelphia expects to receive next year from the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, and several FIFA World Cup matches.
"They're talking about tourism bringing in a billion dollars next year," Hampton Inn room attendant Tanay Nibblins wrote in the union's strike announcement obtained by CBS News Philadelphia. "Without the work we do, there is no tourism. We know what we're worth. The time to pay us what we need is right now."
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown released a statement to NBC10 Philadelphia regarding the strike:
“We are disappointed the union has elected to call a strike, and we are prepared with appropriate measures to ensure the hotel is operational and equipped to welcome guests and satisfy all their needs.
“We remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair and reasonable agreement that is in the best interests of our associates and their livelihoods.”
Sheraton Downtown is owned by Miami-based private investor Cambridge Landmark, and the Hampton Inn Center City is owned by Blackstone Inc.'s real investment trust BREIT.
