Hotel workers win longest strike in Washington state history

Hospitality workers at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Seattle, Washington, won a new contract after an 85-day strike on September 10.

The strike, organized by the union UNITE HERE Local 8, became the longest hotel strike in the history of Washington state. Workers protested to secure better pay, improved healthcare access, and specific protections for immigrant employees. The new agreement significantly increases pay for housekeepers, who will earn over $31 an hour starting in 2027.

This rate exceeds the national average of $17.63 an hour for housekeepers reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, workers classified as tipped will receive $1 more per hour than the city minimum wage. The contract also changes healthcare eligibility by replacing a month-to-month hours requirement with an annual threshold of 1,250 hours. The union secured protections for immigrant workers regarding immigration enforcement.

The hotel committed to not punishing workers who miss work due to immigration enforcement surges and agreed to an expedited resolution process in such events. Furthermore, workers who lose work authorization due to enforcement can return to their jobs if their authorization is restored within four years, retaining their seniority for up to two years. Strikers maintained pressure by coordinating with other groups and community members.

BNSF rail workers and elected officials pressured Sound Transit to move its room bookings to a different hotel, removing a significant source of revenue for the Embassy Suites. Solidarity also came from local church groups, guests, and other union members who provided support and joined the picket lines.