Philadelphia’s hotel employees are threatening to initiate a large strike just in time for the FIFA World Cup next month, as they raise concerns about accommodation arrangements for the estimated half million visitors.
More than 4,000 hotel and food service workers in the city, represented by Unite Here Local 274, protested outside the Philadelphia World Cup host committee headquarters on Wednesday as contract negotiations continue.
“Our members in these several hotels are ready to walk off the job if there are no new contracts signed before June 12,” Unite Here Local 274 president Rosslyn Wuchinich said Wednesday. He warned that any strike could extend through the World Cup and into July 4.
This controversy comes in the wake of earlier strike actions by workers at Center City hotels that led to enhanced contracts, as some of these workers’ salaries jumped from $19 to $30 per hour. Workers point out increasing cost of living the main reason they are now forced to take on extra shifts just to keep up with the cost of essentials.
Among the hotels potentially affected are the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia, Hilton Garden Inn Center City and Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District.
The union is seeking better wages and benefits, improved health care plans and better workplace protections.
With about half a million expected to attend the World Cup, an official report predicts it will generate $770 million in revenue for the city.
