Oct 16, 2018, 2:12 am
Last edit by: yosithezet
MODERATOR NOTE: While this thread exists for people to discuss the economics and merits of the Marriott strike, any discussion of the general merits of labor unions belongs in OMNI. Any posts which address other posters or characterise people using inflammatory language violates FlyerTalk Rules will be deleted without notice.
Contributions around the current atmosphere and service level at specific hotels can be found at https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-starwood-ritz-carlton-new-consolidated-program/1916714-property-experiences-during-marriott-workers-strike-fall-2018-a-2.html
Contributions around the current atmosphere and service level at specific hotels can be found at https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-starwood-ritz-carlton-new-consolidated-program/1916714-property-experiences-during-marriott-workers-strike-fall-2018-a-2.html
Merits of Marriott Hotels Strike 2018
Nov 4, 2018, 8:01 pm
#121
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: Bonvoy ambassador - lifetime plat / Hilton diamond / hyatt globalist / AA CK baby!
Posts: 896
The Hawaii, Boston, and San Francisco locals have stated that the properties have offered the same historical pay increases under the existing contract but the union rejects that. They want larger increases and control over innovation. The San Francisco locals have stated they intentionally timed the strike to coincide with large conventions presumably to get leverage.
if they were just asking for a raise I wouldnt have much of an opinion on this subject one way or the other, but when the unions want to gain a stranglehold over innovation in a manner that surely will be detrimental to both the bottom line of the business they work for AND the consumer, it makes me wish marriot could give them all pinkslips.
Nov 4, 2018, 8:53 pm
#122
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
So I was out on Powell street last night and the strikers are still in front of the Westin. I was not able to get a picture, but everyone was quiet. It honestly just looks like one more SF homeless camp like we have in SOMA. You just get numb to seeing it.
Can someone fill me in on the rules of the strike? I am pretty sure the hotels cant fire the workers? But are they allowed to hire replacements? Can they hire non-union replacements? It seems the hotels are doing OK, does anyone at any point just say “to hell with it and go back to work?” What happens to the Union if they cave? Can strikers cross the line?
So many questions.
Can someone fill me in on the rules of the strike? I am pretty sure the hotels cant fire the workers? But are they allowed to hire replacements? Can they hire non-union replacements? It seems the hotels are doing OK, does anyone at any point just say “to hell with it and go back to work?” What happens to the Union if they cave? Can strikers cross the line?
So many questions.
If the union caves, its very complicated ....
We all want people treated and paid fairly but here the union goals are definitely adverse to the goals of guests.
Nov 4, 2018, 8:57 pm
#123
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Posts: 1,754
Nov 4, 2018, 9:46 pm
#124
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
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In other states, employees can be required to be a member of the union as a condition of employment and they must either be a member of be fired.
Not surprisingly, when given a choice, individuals do not join unions. But, the three states where the union is striking properties (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts) are all union states so individuals who cross the picket line will be kicked out of the union and will lose their jobs when the strikes are over. Additionally, they are required to picket for 20 hours a week as a condition of receiving strike pay.
So its a matter of state law. And in states like California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, the unions make large political contributions in terms of money and people so the law is unlikely to change.
Nov 5, 2018, 4:41 am
#126
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hotlanta.
Programs: I've gone underground!
Posts: 4,604
Nov 5, 2018, 11:33 am
#128
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 485
I'm sure it wouldn't look good for the union not to make any progress. It's just a bad situation all around. I'm wondering how much the workers are being compensated for striking from the unions. If they are getting paid less, then if they were not cash strapped before, they are now. If they were cash strapped before, a prolonged strike might cause some long term damage to their financial health.
In Hawaii, although the governor and mayor have been supportive of the unions and have vowed not to cross picket lines for events, based on responses on every news article, it doesn't seem like the general population here supports the union much. I don't think throwing money at it will change anything, unskilled labor is unskilled labor, and the issues causing the high costs of living are still not addressed.
In Hawaii, although the governor and mayor have been supportive of the unions and have vowed not to cross picket lines for events, based on responses on every news article, it doesn't seem like the general population here supports the union much. I don't think throwing money at it will change anything, unskilled labor is unskilled labor, and the issues causing the high costs of living are still not addressed.
Nov 5, 2018, 11:47 am
#129
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I support the right of the workers and unions to strike just as I support the hotel ability to negotiate or not and bring in temporary workers as needed. I hope they can find common ground soon and settle on a contract that makes both sides happy.
That being said, I’m thrilled to have chosen to stay next week at the non-striking RC San Francisco rather than my usual favorite and on-strike StR San Francisco! The room rates at the StR and even Palace and W were just too darn high for my tastes—likely because of the very convention/conference groups that caused the strike timing in the first place. The RC rates were far more reasonable by SF standards.
That being said, I’m thrilled to have chosen to stay next week at the non-striking RC San Francisco rather than my usual favorite and on-strike StR San Francisco! The room rates at the StR and even Palace and W were just too darn high for my tastes—likely because of the very convention/conference groups that caused the strike timing in the first place. The RC rates were far more reasonable by SF standards.
Nov 7, 2018, 9:30 pm
#134
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Posts: 1,754
Its hard to get in the Pictures but the Marquis is a disaster. All of 4th street entrance is barricaded. Mission entrance is barricaded. Taxis in the middle of 4th st. Hotel security and SFPD watching the strikers. Noisy and yelling. There is a barricade down the sidewalk seperating strikers from pedestrians.
They really didnt want me taking their pictures either.
They really didnt want me taking their pictures either.
Nov 9, 2018, 7:40 am
#135
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,991
I’m currently staying at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. The Local 5 is absolutely terrorizing Waikiki in a way that would effect you even if you weren’t staying at one of the Starwood properties. They were protesting on the beach again today outside the Moana Surfrider.
Breakfast was fantastic, they had all the normal stuff including an omelettes bar, but are using plastic plates. I had requested one king bed, but they gave me a room with two double beds on a very high floor.
Usually I would ask for one bed, but I’d rather stay on the high floor.