Philadelphia, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Hospitality workers at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown and Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center have initiated strikes demanding better wages and healthcare. Organized by UNITE HERE Local 274, the workers cite inflation and understaffing issues as key concerns. With 4,000 workers represented, they seek significant wage increases as critical tourism events approach. Political leaders have shown support for their demands, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation in the hospitality sector.
Philadelphia—Hospitality workers at two major hotels in Philadelphia commenced strikes on October 5, 2025, beginning at 5 a.m. The strikes, organized by UNITE HERE Local 274, include room attendants, cooks, bartenders, and other employees at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown and the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center. Workers are seeking better wages, improved health care coverage, and a resolution to long-term understaffing issues resulting from expired contracts.
Striking workers have voiced concerns that their wages have not kept pace with inflation, making it increasingly difficult for them to support their families. The workers are advocating for significant increases in wages and pensions, highlighting the importance of their roles in the tourism sector, which plays a crucial part in Philadelphia’s economy, especially in anticipation of upcoming events like the MLB All-Star Game and FIFA World Cup matches slated for 2026.
The Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown is located at 17th and Race, and is owned by Cambridge Landmark, a private investor based in Miami. The Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center is owned by Blackstone Inc.’s real estate investment trust, BREIT. Unions at both hotels represent around 4,000 private sector hotel and food service workers in the Philadelphia area through UNITE HERE Local 274, which has created a dedicated website to provide ongoing updates regarding labor disputes and strikes.
Many workers have noted severe understaffing, forcing them to take on additional responsibilities and work longer hours. Some report balancing as many as three roles under a single job title. Political leaders in Philadelphia have shown support for the workers’ demands, emphasizing the need for fair wages and contracts. Previous solidarity efforts have involved other unions supporting UNITE HERE workers in their current strike actions.
In response to the strikes, Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown issued a statement expressing disappointment, indicating a commitment to negotiate in good faith with the workers. The ongoing strike signifies a critical moment for hospitality workers seeking to improve their working conditions and ensure fair compensation, particularly with economic growth on the horizon due to key tourism events.
Union leaders have warned that if their demands are not met, there may be escalated strike actions across more hotels in Philadelphia, potentially affecting the local economy significantly as important events approach.
FAQs
What is the reason for the strike at the Philadelphia hotels?
Workers are striking due to expired contracts and are demanding significant wage and pension increases, improvements in health care coverage, and an end to long-term understaffing issues.
Which hotels are affected by the strike?
The strike involves the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown and Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center.
When did the strike begin?
The strike commenced on October 5, 2025, at 5 a.m.
Who is organizing the strike?
The strike is organized by UNITE HERE Local 274.
How many workers does the union represent?
UNITE HERE Local 274 represents about 4,000 private sector hotel and food service workers in the Philadelphia area.
What do the workers report about their wages?
Striking workers report that their wages have not kept pace with inflation, making it difficult for them to meet their families’ basic needs.
What kind of support have the strikers received?
Political support for the strike has been shown by local leaders, and there have been previous solidarity efforts by other unions for UNITE HERE workers during the strike.
Key Features of the Strike
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | October 5, 2025, at 5 a.m. |
| Hotels Involved | Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center |
| Organizing Body | UNITE HERE Local 274 |
| Workers Represented | Approximately 4,000 hotel and food service workers |
| Primary Demands | Increased wages, better health care coverage, improved pension, resolution to staffing issues |
| Company Owners | Cambridge Landmark (Sheraton), Blackstone Inc. (Hampton Inn) |
| Importance of Work | Crucial role in the tourism economy, especially with upcoming major events |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Hotel Dive: Union Hotel Workers Strike Philadelphia
- NBC Philadelphia: Center City Hotel Worker Strikes Begin
- CBS News: Center City Hotel Workers Strike Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Inquirer: Unite Here Philadelphia Hotel Contract Strike
- Patch: Center City Hotel Workers Strike 2 Philadelphia Hotels
- Wikipedia: Hotel
- Google Search: Philadelphia hotel workers strike
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Union
- Google News: Philadelphia Hospitality Workers Strike
- Google Scholar: Philadelphia hotel workers union
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
