Working conditions & labor dispute resolution: What a difference a union makes

While unions in many sectors of the U.S. workforce are on the decline, the number of unionized hospitality workers is increasing. Union workplaces, historically safer than non-union ones, offer union members distinct advantages in advocating for health and safety compared to non-union workers. Health and safety continues to be a leading concern of workers organizing for labor representation.

UNITE HERE, the leading hospitality workers union in North America, continues to use various methods available as the bargaining agent at full-service hotels to improve working conditions. These include grievances related to workload (e.g. room quota for housekeepers); expanded health and safety research; and new contract language on workload, light duty policies, and ergonomic hazards.

With hotel construction on the rise, the health and safety of hospitality workers demands serious attention. Despite the increasing unionization of hotels, the industry remains largely non-union nation-wide. Differences between working conditions between union and non-union properties will be highlighted. Successes in reducing workload negotiated by UNITE HERE with hotel employers will be presented, detailing methods and gains made. Non-union hotel worker testimony will be included describing working conditions and current labor disputes. Estimates will be given on the numbers of workers exposed to hotel hazards, union vs. non-union. Recommendations for improving access to information, interventions, and training for non-union and union workers alike and the role for worker/community advocates, unions, healthcare providers and universities will be offered.