LABOR UPDATES

Welcome

Welcome! This section of our website is designed to provide news and information about San Francisco’s hotel industry and labor relations.

In these challenging economic times, the Hotel Council is concerned for the health of San Francisco’s hotels and the hospitality industry as a whole. San Francisco needs an equitable solution regarding labor relations for the benefit of the hotel industry, hotel employees and city residents who enjoy public services funded in part by the city hotel tax.

The average hotel housekeeper makes at least $60,000 in salary and benefits while a typical station cook makes $64,000, proof that San Francisco hotels workers value their employees and are committed to paying excellent wages and benefits. Hotels are honoring an expired contract with Local 2 members that keeps their salary and benefits at current levels while contract negotiations are underway.

Rolling Strikes Enforced by Union Leaders Hurt Employees

Limited work stoppages initiated by union leaders have not significantly impacted hotel operations in San Francisco.

However, Local 2’s actions have hurt employees, particularly those who rely on tip income. Less than one-third of the union’s total membership voted to authorize strike actions at city hotels.

Approximately 1800 employee shifts were canceled due to strike action in November. While hotels are able to substitute employees from other locations, Local 2 members are paying the true cost of the decisions being made by their leaders in the form of lost income as we enter the holiday season.

Labor Relations

The most recent labor agreement expired on August 14, 2009. Since then, hotels have sought to conduct productive negotiations that will result in a sustainable solution to keep hotel employees on the job and San Francisco hotels in business. Contract talks cover some 9,000 employees. San Francisco hotels are seeking a long-term agreement to ensure stability.

Currently, our member hotels spend $1,080 a month per hotel employee to pay for health insurance and medical costs.

Hotel Industry Facts

Out of every $1,000 spent by a tourist in San Francisco, $700 goes to city restaurants, retail shops and other local businesses. In Y/E 2009, hotel taxes contributed $132 million to the City of San Francisco’s General Fund, an important revenue source that helps fund public benefits and services for city residents.

Hotels also represent a significant funding source for arts and cultural institutions and non-profit organizations such as the Asian Art Museum, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the city’s War Memorial and other performing arts venues. Our members are proud to contribute to San Francisco’s world-class reputation, quality of life and hospitality and the well-being of hotel employees.

Healthcare Facts

Healthcare costs for San Francisco hotels have risen by 300 percent over the past 10 years and 45 percent in the past three years. Continuing medical coverage for hotel employees is not sustainable unless major changes are made. Currently, a single employee makes no contribution per month for healthcare and pays just $10 a month to cover up to six dependents.

Local 2 Member Healthcare Plan

Employer contribution per month per employee -- $1,080

Employee doctor’s visit co-pay -- $5

Employee’s ER visit co-pay -- $5

Employee’s hospital visit co-pay $5

Retirement healthcare benefits for employee and dependents.

Who is represented by Local 2 Unite Here?

Local 2 represents some 9.000 roomcleaners, cooks, dishwashers, bellpersons, servers, bartenders, and other hotel workers who welcome millions of visitors to San Francisco each year. The Hotel Council recognizes the very important service these employees provide which has helped make San Francisco one of the world's leading travel and tourism destinations.

Press Releases

Industry Facts

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