The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hawaii’s largest hotel, has commenced an indefinite strike this morning, as reported by the union around 5 a.m. today. Nearly 2,000 Hilton Hawaiian Village workers are directly involved, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing hotel labor movement organized by UNITE HERE Local 5. This action is part of a broader nationwide strike, which also includes major hotel properties in Honolulu, San Diego, and San Francisco.
Key issues in Hawaii hotel strike.
The primary demands of striking hotel workers are securing higher wages, reducing excessive workloads, and reversing service reductions that occurred during the pandemic. Significant disruptions in expected services, including housekeeping, front desk operations, and restaurant staffing, are expected. This current strike follows the Labor Day weekend walkout, which impacted eight major hotels across Waikiki and Kauai. Union leaders argue that while hotels have seen rising profits, workers face unsustainable workloads and woefully insufficient pay.
The union says, “Too many hotels took advantage of the pandemic by cutting staffing and suspending guest services that were never restored, causing workers to lose jobs and income – and creating painful working conditions for those who carry the increased workload.”
How Does This Impact Hawaii Visitors?
Travelers should be ready for disruptions across services at Hilton Hawaiian Village, with the possibility of strikes extending to other major resorts. For a smoother stay at this time, consider smaller hotels, boutique accommodations, or vacation rentals as alternative lodging options that might avoid strike-related issues.
Comments on our previous strike coverage earlier this month included strong opinions about Hawaii’s tourism industry. One reader argued, “The hospitality industry must support livable wages,” while another urged, “Avoid the overpriced, foreign-owned hotels and rent a short-term vacation rental instead.” Some expressed empathy for workers’ challenges, with remarks like, “Many workers have to work two jobs to make enough to live comfortably.” Others expressed frustration over reduced services, saying, “I am sure that during the big cutback in services, the hotels are reducing their room rates accordingly.”
Check your reservations, anticipate delays, and stay informed about Hawaii’s ongoing labor issues. This fluid situation could affect your travel experience. If you are staying, would you consider asking for a room discount because of the lack of full services?
We welcome your input!
There is a Common Denominator, Unions and Hawaii looking at Hotel workers, look at 55,000 SEIU works in Social Services and Hospital in LA, 33,000 at Boeing in Seattle, Textron Aviation in Wichita (Beechcraft), Frontier Airlines Flight Attendants, 45,000 Dockworkers on all East and Gulf Docks, UAW at Stellantis Plants (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep) and West Coast Docks are next! There are no coincidences! Election Season chaos.
Myself and 6 family members have reservation at embassy suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach walk Sept 30 thru Oct 7. Does anyone anticipate striking problems at this location and time frame? Any info info is helpful
STR customers aren’t affected. We also try to keep our cleaning staff and local manager happy and treat them as the high value partners they are. I’d guess most STR owners do the same.
What is STR?
Aloha Rob+Jeff. I seriously don’t think that the hotels would give you a discount for lack of services. Many people will have to readjust their lodging options if they want a hassle free vacation. Just another ongoing issue that will make people rethink going to Hawaii. I do believe the employees are entitled to their demands. I support them and hope for a quick resolve for them.
I would like to see Hawaiian’s findings.
My suspicions were alerted when the fact that The individual was an electrical engineer was revealed and there is an attempt to claim it was the result of Hawaiian property and negligence. I may be too cynical but something here smells and it is not an overheating lithium cell.
Wow, does anyone know how long the strike will last?
Unless the headline was changed after your post it clearly states it is an “indefinite” strike.
I read “indefinite,” just wondered if someone on the inside knew more.