Reps. Garcia, Green Call on Hilton to Bargain in Good Faith with Houston Hotel Workers

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Joseph Guzman
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HOUSTON, T.X.- Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) and Congressman Al Green (D-TX-09) sent a letter to Hilton leadership calling on the hotel giant to bargain in good faith with Hilton Americas-Houston hotel staff who launched a nine-day strike on Labor Day, calling for wages of at least $23 per hour and better working conditions. Many of the striking workers, including housekeepers, cooks, banquet servers, laundry attendants, and more, are proud members of UNITE HERE Local 23.

"These workers are our neighbors, our family, and our friends. Without them, Houston would not be an international business hub. They deserve a wage that can hold a family together and is comparable to what Hilton workers earn in Chicago, Boston, New York, and across the country," said Congresswoman Garcia. "I encourage Hilton and its employees to come together at the table and work toward an agreement that recognizes our families deserve better. When all sides listen and negotiate with respect, we can reach outcomes that strengthen communities, businesses, and our city."

Despite record profits and a booming Houston hotel market, where Hilton Americas reported a 17 percent increase in revenue per available room and a 20 percent jump in overall revenue, the company continues to pay many frontline workers just $16.50 an hour. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult in Houston needs $21.65 an hour to make ends meet, while a parent with one child needs $36.52 an hour.

Congresswoman Garcia has been a lifelong champion for working families and unions in Houston and across the country, and she pledges to stand with Hilton workers until a fair contract is reached.

The full letter can be read HERE.