NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A new union contract has been overwhelmingly ratified by workers at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, according to a release Saturday from Local 217 – UNITE HERE.
The agreement came in response to a four-day strike by 122 workers who walked off the job several weeks ago in pursuit of fair treatment and better working conditions.
Local 217 – UNITE HERE says the new contract includes first-year wage increases of up to 14.5%, maintained quality union health care and pension plan benefits.
Josh Stanley, the secretary-treasurer of Local 217 – UNITE HERE, says he is thrilled members of the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale stood together and secured a contract that represents their hard work and dedication.
“The victories at the Omni New Haven and the Hyatt Regency Greenwich show that when workers unite, they can achieve meaningful improvements in their lives,” Stanley said.
Workers at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale are among approximately 10,000 workers who went on strike recently. Many participated in short duration strikes during the Labor Day weekend.
Strike issues remain unresolved in other cities, but Local 217 – UNITE HERE is optimistic that the successful contract negotiations at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale and Hyatt Regency Greenwich will set a powerful precedent. Other cities where more strikes could begin at any time include Baltimore, Boston, Honolulu and Seattle.
“This new contract will save my life,” said Kadiata Lam, who has worked at the Omni as a Room Attendant for the past seven years.
“For years, we’ve been struggling to make ends meet, working too hard for too little. Now, I can finally start saving for retirement and furnish the new apartment I’m moving into with my daughter. This contract will let my daughter live a better life. It is a huge step forward for all of us, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together,” Lam said.
According Local 217 – UNITE HERE, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service mediation played a significant role in bringing about the agreement by ensuring that both the workers and hotel management could come to a fair resolution. Their intervention was a critical component in creating a settlement that is agreeable for both workers and management.
Stanley says that every victory, like the one observed this week, strengthens the fight for better contracts across the country.
“We are seeing a wave of worker power in the hospitality industry, and these wins in Connecticut will inspire workers from coast to coast,” Stanley said. “We are committed to pushing until every hospitality worker has the wages, benefits and working conditions they deserve.”
Stanley notes that this settlement is only the beginning. He says more victories will follow.
“We are building a movement, and we won’t stop until every hospitality worker in this country has a fair contract,” Stanley said. “These victories show what is possible when workers stand together and refuse to be left behind.”
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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