Hilton Workers Strike Over Contract

By Richard Gibson
Oct 17 2010

Employees of the Chicago Hilton Hotel have walked today off the job virtually crippling the hotel in the process.

The employees have said that they will continue to strike through Monday in protest of the “cheap” contract that the company has locked them into in recent negotiations. The Chicago location is just the latest in a series of Hilton Hotels that have been hit by strikes over the contract.

The Hilton is one of the most well known hotels in the world. Owned by the famed Hilton family, including heiress Paris Hilton, the hotel is known for its elegance and customer service. However, employee treatment has often been an issue in the chain and this is the second time that the employees have walked out.

Workers from all locations within the chain are under the control of a union that has demanded a 7% pay raise each year when a new contract is negotiated. This year the company declined the increase along with other “costly” demands according to the official company statement.

Union officials have claimed that Hilton was able to erase debt by accepting millions in bailout funds back in 2009. Now, according to union leaders, Hilton is looking to increase profits by stiffing the employees with unfair pay and a lack of benefits.

“Our employees are paid very competitive wages. The protests are unnecessary in these difficult economic times.” A rep for the Hilton parent company said.

Hilton has said that their compensation package is very competitive, including health insurance with a minimum of employee contribution.