Hotel Workers Begin Picketing at Two Times Square Hotels

Hotel workers at the Fairfield by Marriott New York Manhattan Times Square and the Four Points by Sheraton Midtown - Times Square on West 40th Street are calling for a unfair labor practice boycott and began picketing outside of the Times Square hotels Monday night.

The workers voted to become members of the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO (HTC) in October of 2022. Throughout years of negotiations for their first union contract, the union has filed multiple charges accusing the hotel of committing unfair labor practices – including failing to bargain in good faith, discriminating against workers because of their support for the union, encouraging workers to get rid of the union, replacing union positions with subcontracted workers, and more.

The hotel’s long-time workforce earn an average wage of just $20.56 per hour in housekeeping. This is $21.81 less per hour, and nearly $40,000 less per year, than a union housekeeper. Most workers at the hotel have nothing saved for retirement and cannot afford the hotel’s health insurance.

"Management wants to keep the money to themselves while we live in poverty. I’ve worked at the hotel for seven years, and I make $17.82 per hour," said María de Leon, Room Attendant at Fairfield New York Manhattan Times Square. "After I pay my rent, I’m left with nothing. I can’t sleep at night worrying – what am I going to do? How am I going to eat? We need the union.”

The workers and their union have put up a picket line and are encouraging customers to boycott the hotels and cancel their stays until management follows the law and treats these workers fairly. You can also join them on the line! Picket shifts are happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at 326 W 40th Street, New York, NY. Read more here!