Tessa Quinn
Hospitality workers are often employed in jobs that pay at the poverty level, such as housekeepers, cooks, bellmen, servers, bartenders, and front desk agents. However, unions such as UNITE HERE, Teamsters, and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE) have been advocating for better wages, benefits, and job security for these workers. UNITE HERE, for example, represents over 20,000 Caesars Entertainment employees and has successfully negotiated contracts with several hotels and tourism-related businesses. The Teamsters Union is also making strides in the hospitality industry, representing employees in hotels and airports. With a history dating back to 1890, HERE has played a significant role in organizing staff in renowned establishments, including Yale University, Caesars Palace, and Walt Disney World. These unions aim to empower hospitality workers and ensure they benefit from the prosperity of the booming hospitality sector.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the union | Teamsters |
| Other names | Unite Here, Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE) |
| Area of operation | United States and Canada |
| Industries | Hospitality, tourism, hotel, restaurant |
| Number of members | Not found |
| Year established | 1890 |
| Contact details | Not found |
| Website | https://unitehere.org/ |
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What You'll Learn
Hospitality union Teamsters
Hospitality workers have long been part of union movements, with unions fighting for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members. One such union is UNITE HERE, a labor union with members predominantly working in the hotel, food service, laundry, warehouse, and casino gaming industries.
UNITE HERE was formed in 2004 through the merger of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial, and Textile Employees (UNITE) and the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE). This union represents workers in the United States and Canada, with a presence in various sectors of the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and sports complexes.
In 2005, UNITE HERE joined the Change to Win Federation, alongside other unions such as the Teamsters, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the UFCW. This move was significant in the union's history, as it allowed them to affiliate with other organized labor groups and strengthen their position in negotiations and worker advocacy.
However, UNITE HERE also experienced internal conflicts, particularly in 2008-2009, when there were disputes between General President Bruce Raynor and Hospitality Division President John Wilhelm. These disputes led to lawsuits, accusations of misconduct, and a split in the union, with Raynor leaving and forming a new SEIU affiliate called Workers United, taking a significant number of members with him.
Despite these challenges, UNITE HERE continues to be a prominent voice for hospitality workers, advocating for safe, respected, and well-paid jobs. With a presence in various industries and a commitment to diversity, the union strives to empower workers and improve their working conditions.
Therefore, while the Teamsters were part of the Change to Win Federation alongside UNITE HERE, it is UNITE HERE that specifically represents and advocates for hospitality workers, fighting for their rights and improving their working lives.
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Unite Here's success
UNITE HERE is a labour union in the United States and Canada with approximately 300,000 active members. The union was formed in 2004 by the merger of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial, and Textile Employees (UNITE) and the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE). UNITE HERE represents workers in various industries, including hotels, food services, laundry, warehouses, and casino gaming.
One of the key successes of UNITE HERE is its ability to provide health benefits and resources to its members. UNITE HERE Health (UHH) works closely with local unions, employers, and members to offer health insurance and improve healthcare access. UHH serves around 200,000 individuals across the nation, ensuring they have the necessary support to maintain and enhance their health.
Another success of UNITE HERE lies in its commitment to protecting and improving the working conditions of its members. The union actively campaigns for safe, respected, and fairly compensated jobs in the hospitality industry. Through collective bargaining, UNITE HERE negotiates with employers to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members. The union also provides a support system for workers facing challenges or injustices in their workplaces.
UNITE HERE has also achieved success through its organisational capabilities. The union operates across various regions, with multiple local chapters and dedicated leaders, such as chapter presidents and secretary-treasurers. This extensive network enables UNITE HERE to have a strong presence on the ground, connecting with members and addressing their specific needs and concerns.
Additionally, UNITE HERE's merger between UNITE and HERE in 2004 can be considered a strategic success. The merger resulted in a combined membership of about 440,000 active members and 400,000 retired members. By joining forces, the unions leveraged their respective strengths: UNITE's financial resources and HERE's extensive organising opportunities. This merger positioned UNITE HERE for greater influence and the potential to grow its membership even further.
Overall, UNITE HERE has made significant strides in advocating for workers' rights and improving their quality of life. Through its efforts in healthcare provision, workplace protection, and organisational strength, UNITE HERE has established itself as a powerful force in the labour movement, committed to changing lives and ensuring safe and dignified work in the hospitality industry.
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Union density in the hospitality industry
Unite Here is one of the most diverse labour unions in North America, with a majority of its members being women, people of colour, and immigrants. The union has successfully negotiated contracts with several major employers in the hospitality industry, including Caesars Entertainment, Harrah's, Caesars Palace, Wynn Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt, and Walt Disney World. Through their efforts, workers in organised settings have secured professional-level wages, benefits, and job security.
The history of unionisation in the hospitality industry dates back to the formation of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE) in 1890. Female membership in HERE grew significantly over the years, reflecting the increasing presence of women in the hotel and restaurant industry. In 2004, HERE merged with the Union of Needletrades, Industrial, and Textile Employees (UNITE) to form UNITE HERE, which continues to advocate for hospitality workers' rights and improve their working conditions.
While union density varies across regions, the overall trend suggests a growing recognition of the benefits that unions bring to the hospitality industry. As more workers recognise the advantages of unionisation, we can expect to see a continued push for union density in this sector, leading to improved working conditions and a more empowered workforce.
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Hotel and tourism industry union presence
The hotel and tourism industry has a notable union presence, with organisations like Unite Here and the Teamsters Union representing workers in this sector. Unite Here, a prominent hospitality union, has been instrumental in negotiating contracts and ensuring fair wages, benefits, and job security for hotel workers. They have successfully represented employees in housekeeping, food service, and other departments, with a majority of their members being women, people of color, and immigrants.
Unite Here's presence extends across the United States and Canada, with a strong foothold in cities like New Orleans, Las Vegas, and New York. In New Orleans, they hold contracts with Harrah's, Loews Hotel, and have a relationship with Caesars Entertainment, the parent company of Harrah's. Additionally, they represent over 20,000 Caesars employees nationwide. Unite Here has also secured contracts in Mississippi, where wages range from $13 to $14 per hour.
The Teamsters Union, on the other hand, has been negotiating contracts with Harrah's and representing employees in the front-of-house roles, including bellmen, valets, and front desk workers. Their presence in the hospitality industry, particularly in New Orleans, marks new territory, as they aim to increase union density in this sector.
Historically, the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE) was a significant labor union in the hospitality industry, with a strong female presence and leadership. Formed in 1890, HERE merged with the Union of Needletrades, Industrial, and Textile Employees (UNITE) in 2004 to create UNITE HERE. This new union continues to advocate for hotel workers' rights and ensure their share in the growing prosperity of the hospitality sector.
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Union wage contracts
Unions are essential for hospitality workers to understand their rights, entitlements, and protections. Unions help hospitality workers negotiate better pay, improve working conditions, and provide stronger protections. In the UK, The Workers Union advocates for the rights and welfare of hospitality workers across the sector. Similarly, in Canada, UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) is the union for hotel and hospitality workers, representing over 150,000 members.
Unite in Hospitality, a prominent union, campaigns for a real living wage for all ages, fair tips, shifts and rotas, union rights, safe transport home after late shifts, and a better work-life balance with rest breaks and guaranteed hours. They also expose bad practices in the industry, such as employers deducting from wages and tips, and fight for health and safety protections.
UFCW Canada, specifically, helps hotel and hospitality workers build a better life by negotiating higher wages, fair scheduling, and health benefits. They provide an enforceable collective agreement that includes benefits like overtime pay, health and safety protections, and paid sick days.
Hospitality unions empower their members by giving them a voice in the workplace and ensuring their rights are actively championed. Unions help members promote change and secure better terms of employment, such as fair wages and benefits, safe workplaces, and a decent work-life balance. Joining a union gives workers support and backing, with an organization dedicated to defending their interests and advancing their rights.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hospitality workers can be part of unions such as Unite Here, Teamsters, and the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE).
Unite Here is a hospitality union that represents workers in the hospitality industry, including those in housekeeping and food services. It is one of the most diverse labor unions in North America, with a majority membership of women, people of color, and immigrants.
The Teamsters Union is another hospitality union that represents employees working the front of the hotel, including bellmen, valets, and front desk workers, as well as those in the hotel's warehouse.
The Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE) was a United States labor union representing workers in the hospitality industry. In 2004, HERE merged with the Union of Needletrades, Industrial, and Textile Employees (UNITE) to form UNITE HERE.
Joining a union can provide hospitality workers with professional-level wages, benefits, and job security. Unions can also help ensure that workers share in the growing prosperity of the hospitality sector, which is currently booming.
