Workers at Jewel Hotel in Midtown Win First Union Contract

Workers at the Jewel Hotel in Midtown, members of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, have won their first union contract – a victory 7-years in the making. In June, workers at the Jewel Hotel authorized a strike for a fair contract. Jewel management saw that the workers were united, serious, and ready to strike. They watched as the Jewel workers showed up day after day to the nearby picket line at the Fairfield & Four Points Times Square in solidarity with their union brothers and sisters. And, fearing an impending strike outside of their own hotel, management caved and has signed the Industry Wide Agreement (IWA).

While nothing about their fight was easy, everything about it has been life-changing. Workers organized in 2019, and stayed strong throughout the hotel closing during COVID and the multi-year fight to get the hotel to sign the IWA.

“I was one of the first ones to come and try to unite, to get the crew together,” said Edward, a Houseman at the Jewel. “And I just can’t believe the time has come. I mean it’s surreal.”

“I feel like I won the world,” said Oana, a Room Attendant at the hotel. Watch video of the workers finding out they won their contract here!