Philadelphia, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Hospitality employees from UNITE HERE Local 274 have initiated a strike at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown and Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center. They are demanding wage increases, better healthcare, improved pension contributions, and an end to chronic understaffing. The strike coincides with Philadelphia’s upcoming major tourism events, as workers push to secure better contracts to match the expected influx of visitors. This situation highlights the determination of hotel employees to improve their working conditions amidst rising inflation and an evolving tourism landscape.
Philadelphia
UNITE HERE Local 274 hospitality employees have initiated a strike at two prominent hotels in Philadelphia, namely the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown and the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center. The strike commenced at 5 a.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in response to expired contracts for hotel workers.
Workers participating in the strike include hotel room attendants, cooks, bartenders, and various other hospitality staff. Their primary demands consist of wage increases, enhanced pension contributions, improved healthcare plans, and the elimination of chronic understaffing, which has increased their workload significantly.
This strike is strategically timed as Philadelphia prepares for a surge in tourism with major events planned for 2026, including the MLB All-Star Game and FIFA World Cup matches. The workers aim to secure better contracts to match the expected increase in visitors to the city.
Concerns have risen among workers about wages not keeping up with inflation, making it increasingly difficult for them to support their families. Additionally, chronic understaffing has forced fewer workers to handle more responsibilities, leading to longer working hours and added stress in the workplace.
UNITE HERE Local 274 represents approximately 4,000 private sector hotel and food service workers in the Philadelphia area. Recently, the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel saw significant discontent among its unionized staff, with 128 out of 150 employees voting in favor of a potential strike earlier this month.
The Sheraton is owned by Miami-based Cambridge Landmark, while the Hampton Inn is owned by Blackstone Real Estate Investment Trust (BREIT). As tensions rise, other Philadelphia hotels, such as the Hilton Garden Inn Center City and Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia, may also face similar labor disputes.
UNITE HERE has established a dedicated website for updates on the strike and ongoing labor disputes within Philadelphia’s hotel industry. The union is advocating for better working conditions, wage increases, and enhanced benefits as the city gears up for its upcoming 250th anniversary celebration and other noteworthy events.
Negotiations for new contracts have been ongoing since spring 2025, but talks have yet to yield satisfactory results. Both Marriott International, which operates the Sheraton, and Hilton, which manages the Hampton Inn, have not responded to requests for comments regarding the strike.
The local chapter’s president mentioned that while strikes often entail sacrifices, the workers feel strongly about their demands. The situation underscores the determination of hotel workers to improve their working conditions and secure a fair compensation structure amidst the city’s evolving tourism landscape.
Key Events Ahead
- 2026 MLB All-Star Game
- FIFA World Cup Matches
- Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
Summary of Worker Demands
- Wage increases
- Higher pension contributions
- Improved healthcare plans
- Elimination of understaffing
Background of UNITE HERE Local 274
- Represents approximately 4,000 hospitality workers in Philadelphia
- Union members include hotel room attendants, cooks, and bartenders
- Negotiations for new contracts ongoing since spring 2025
Potential Future Actions
- Ongoing negotiations may lead to strikes at other hotels in the city
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the striking hotel workers in Philadelphia?
When did the strike begin?
Which hotels are affected by the strike?
What events are expected to boost tourism in Philadelphia in 2026?
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Strike Start Date | October 5, 2025 |
| Hotels Involved | Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center |
| Union Representatives | UNITE HERE Local 274 |
| Main Demands | Wage increases, higher pension contributions, improved healthcare plans, elimination of understaffing |
| Future Events | MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup matches, Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Philadelphia Hotel Workers Go on Strike for Better Wages
J. Sean Diaz Appointed as New CEO of World Cafe Live
Sheraton Philadelphia Hotel Workers Vote to Strike for Better Conditions
Philadelphia Hotel Workers Rally for New Contracts
Additional Resources
- Hotel Dive: Union Hotel Workers Strike in Philadelphia
- NBC Philadelphia: Center City Hotel Worker Strikes Begin
- CBS News: Center City Hotel Workers Strike
- Wikipedia: Philadelphia
- Google Search: Hotel Worker Strike Philadelphia
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.
