Philadelphia Hotel Workers Rally for New Contracts

Philadelphia, July 27, 2025

News Summary

Hotel and hospitality workers in Philadelphia have taken to the streets, demanding new contracts after their previous agreements expired. Members of UNITE HERE Local 274 rallied outside the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, voicing their concerns about low wages and overwork amidst ongoing negotiations. With significant events approaching in the city, union representatives stress the urgency of reaching fair agreements to ensure workers’ rights and well-being. As the hospitality sector prepares for a bustling economy, the pressure mounts for hotels to meet wage demands.

Philadelphia – Hotel and hospitality workers in Philadelphia are rallying for new contracts at eight different hotels as they continue to work without valid agreements. This demonstration is spearheaded by members of UNITE HERE Local 274, who picketed outside the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel on Wednesday, calling attention to their expired contracts after months of negotiations.

More than 60 supporters participated in the picket outside the Sheraton, which is situated at 17th and Race streets in Center City. Workers, including Shafeek Anderson, a banquet steward at the hotel, expressed the mounting pressure they face as they operate without a contract. Anderson characterized the situation as “extremely stressful” and “unfair,” a sentiment echoed by many in the industry.

The expired contracts affect several other prominent hotels in Philadelphia, including the Sheraton University City, Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District, Sonesta Hotel in Center City, Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, Hilton Garden Inn in Center City, Warwick Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, and the Hampton Inn near the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Workers are raising concerns about being overworked and underpaid, with some employees, like Jéan Guenther, a laundry attendant at the Hampton Inn, revealing that they are often required to juggle two or three jobs simultaneously just to make ends meet. The financial strain of low wages combined with the high cost of living in the city has compelled many union members to seek additional employment.

As the local economy looks to rebound, the hospitality sector is expected to be significantly bustling next year, coinciding with major events such as America’s semiquincentennial, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game. Union representatives assert that securing fair contracts before these events is crucial, with workers highlighting that increased business will provide the necessary funds for hotels to meet wage demands.

While the union is not currently planning a strike, a spokesperson indicated that the option remains on the table if negotiations do not yield satisfactory results in the near future. UNITE HERE Local 274 represents approximately 4,000 hospitality workers throughout Philadelphia, including those employed at hotels, universities, stadiums, and cafeterias.

Background Context

The ongoing contract disputes illustrate the larger issues faced by hospitality workers in Philadelphia, where the intersection of low wages and high living costs has created a financial burden. Union leaders emphasize that these challenges hinder workers’ livelihoods and threaten job stability. As the city gears up for a wave of major events, it remains essential for hospitality workers to achieve equitable contracts that reflect their contributions to the industry.

Upcoming Prospects

With 2026 on the horizon, and numerous high-profile events set to take place, the significance of a fair contract could not be more critical for both workers and hotel operators. Workers are hopeful that an agreement can be reached promptly to ensure their rights and welfare are secured. The next steps for UNITE HERE Local 274 will be closely watched as contract negotiations continue.

FAQ Section

Key Features Overview

Feature	Description
Number of affected hotels	Eight hotels currently have expired contracts.
Union representation	UNITE HERE Local 274 represents approximately 4,000 workers.
Major upcoming events	America’s semiquincentennial, FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game.
Potential strike	Strikes may be considered if negotiations don’t yield agreements soon.

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Additional Resources

• CBS News: District Council 33 Philadelphia Strike Negotiations
• Google Search: Philadelphia hotel workers rally
• Fox29: Hotel Strikes List
• Wikipedia: Hospitality Industry
• Philadelphia Inquirer: Wyndham Philadelphia Workers Strike
• Google News: Hospitality Workers Philadelphia 2025