UNITE HERE Local 19 members working at Levi’s Stadium have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. 

The settlement includes wage increases of more than $8 per hour for most workers over the life of the contract, reduces required work hours to qualify for health insurance, and increases pension contributions. The deal also provides for stronger scheduling rights along with improvements to sick leave and vacation eligibility.

The union represents nearly 500 members at the stadium. Members at SAP Center are also set to vote on a new contract covering approximately 80 workers.

Local 19 members working at San Jose’s major hotels have voted by a margin of 98 percent to authorize a strike against Signia, San Jose Hilton, Hyatt Place, Marriot, and Doubletree.

Contracts expired on June 30 and little progress has been made in negotiations. The campaign, which is part of a nation-wide multi-city coordinated effort, began months ago with worker surveys, research, the creation of member bargaining committees and the development of proposals.

Worker demands include wage increases, more funding for the health plan to keep premiums affordable, and improvements to the pension plan on behalf of the growing number of long-term workers in the hotel industry.

Also at issue is the protection of union work such as daily housekeeping that was curtailed during the pandemic and food and beverage jobs that are being undermined by outside companies like DoorDash.

It’s been four years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and many hotels have maintained reduced staffing levels, according to the union.

“A lot of these hotels are operating with service cuts that were proposed at the beginning of COVID-19 and those are no longer applicable,” says Local 19 member Jorge Zamudio.

UNITE HERE is asking other union members to make a pledge to join the fight for a fair contract for hotel workers. Scan the QR code to add your name.