Hilton workers go on strike at 2 major Boston hotels

Ongoing hotel strikes across the country are now impacting operations at two Hilton-affiliated properties in Boston. This time, the strikes are indefinite.

Roughly 600 Boston hotel workers are now on strike at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza and the Hilton Boston Logan Airport. The Park Plaza, one of the largest and most historic properties in the city, is near major attractions like Boston Common and the city's retail hub Newbury Street. The Hilton Boston Logan Airport generates much of its business from connecting passengers as well as flight crews due to its proximity to all the terminals at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

Prior hotel strikes in Boston only lasted two or three days each; they occurred at various hotels across the city staffed by members of the Unite Here hospitality labor group. However, this latest wave of strikes is meant to run until a new labor agreement is reached. Those striking include housekeepers, front desk agents, cooks, dishwashers, servers, bartenders, bellhops and door attendants.

"I am fighting for a raise because I currently have two jobs. I can't make it with one. I work up to 70 hours a week," Theresa Fiorino, a room service cashier at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport for 29 years, said in a prepared statement provided by Unite Here. "Going on strike is going to hurt me financially, but I am willing to make that sacrifice together with my co-workers. We are a team, and we are ready to show the hotel companies that we mean business."

Strikes are currently underway in other U.S. cities like Honolulu, San Diego and San Francisco. Around the country, local Unite Here chapters representing hotel workers have been negotiating for higher wages, better working conditions and more employee protections. Many hotel labor contracts expired on Aug. 31.

Spokespeople for major brands like Hilton and Hyatt previously told TPG there are contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions during a strike. But Unite Here warns guests that services will likely be suspended while hotels operate with skeleton staffing.

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Picket lines will run outside the affected hotels for up to 24 hours each day, and hotels may suspend some services while operating with limited staff members. If you have an upcoming trip to either the Hilton Boston Park Plaza or the Hilton Boston Logan Airport, it's best to contact the hotel ahead of time if you require certain services during your stay.

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