Unionized hotel workers in Los Angeles are intensifying their efforts to secure better wages and working conditions by urging major conventions to avoid the city. The members of Unite Here Local 11 announced a boycott, which they consider a significant escalation in their battle with the hotels, causing disruptions in LA’s tourism industry. The union is urging groups planning large-scale events to either cancel or postpone them until the union reaches new agreements with the hotels or move the events to another location.
Kurt Petersen, one of the union’s co-presidents, stated, “We’re asking them to stay away from Los Angeles. If tourism doesn’t pay workers a living wage, then this city will continue to collapse, and the housing crisis will be even worse than it is now.” The strike began during the July Fourth holiday weekend and has continued intermittently, with various hotel staff participating. Around 60 union contracts are still unresolved after expiring at the end of June.
Workers are demanding an immediate $5-per-hour raise to offset the exorbitant housing costs in the region, aiming to alleviate the rent burden. A recent survey conducted by the union revealed that over half of the workers had either moved within the past five years or would have to move soon due to unaffordable living conditions.
In addition to picket lines outside hotels, the union has called for a specific boycott of three properties: Hotel Maya in Long Beach, Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point, and Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica. The union accuses the management of these hotels of condoning violence against the strikers. Video evidence from Hotel Maya showed a protester being punched in the head, potentially by a hotel guest.
However, the broader boycott mobilization for major conventions is a new strategy for Local 11. Pressuring large event planners to change their venues could have a significant impact on the hotels, as well as related businesses relying on convention traffic.
The boycott also extends to the American Political Science Association (APSA), which is scheduled to hold a four-day conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center over the Labor Day weekend. Local 11 sent a letter to the association’s director, urging a change in plans due to the ongoing strikes. While several participants of the APSA conference have canceled their plans, the event is still scheduled to proceed.
Several other organizations, including the Democratic Governors Association, the Japanese American Citizens League, and the Council of State Governments West, have recently relocated their meetings or changed the dates to avoid crossing potential picket lines.
Kurt Petersen emphasized that any guests staying at struck hotels should anticipate subpar service and encountering a picket line. He stated, “If it happens, you might as well be camping because your stay in the hotel will be incredibly unpleasant.”
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