San Antonio hotel workers at the Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency have successfully secured a significant wage increase, with their new union contract setting the city's minimum wage benchmark for hospitality staff. Beginning in the new year, these unionized workers will receive a minimum of $20 per hour, as announced by Unite Here Local 23. This positions them as the first hotel workers in San Antonio to earn this hourly rate.
According to FOX San Antonio, the increase is set to begin by May of next year. Notably, the advancement comes as a welcome relief to employees who have long awaited just remuneration. "I feel like I can breathe better. Sleep better. Why? Because it's taken me 44 years with Hyatt to reach this milestone. This is history for us," one Hyatt worker expressed.
In addition to the pay raise, the new contract will reduce healthcare costs and recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday. More than a thousand employees who are represented by the union at both the Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency will be directly impacted by the approved contract.
The San Antonio Express-News details that the vote by union members was unanimous and extends beyond wage increases. Hyatt acknowledged, "This contract is a huge victory, and I want to recognize Hyatt for sitting down, negotiating in good faith and reaching a historic agreement," committing to offer competitive wages and comprehensive healthcare coverage. "Our colleagues are the heart of our business, and we continue to recognize and value their contributions," Michael D’Angelo, head of labor relations for Americas at Hyatt, stated.
The push for increased wages is part of a broader movement within the local hospitality sector, with hopes to elevate living standards for workers. Mary Saucedo, an employee at the downtown Grand Hyatt, told the San Antonio Express-News, "This new contract is going to help me and my co-workers so much." "With the wage increases, I’ll be able to actually save and not have to worry so much every month about all of my expenses." The hospitality and leisure sector is a significant part of the local economy, representing 12.3% of jobs in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area as per the Texas Workforce Commission.
The impact of this contract is expected to ripple across the city and potentially set a precedence for industry standards. Bertha Zapata, a Hyatt Regency housekeeper, conveyed her aspirations for this change, stating, "In my time at the Hyatt Regency, I’ve seen what we can achieve when we as workers are united." "I’m very proud of this victory and look forward to helping more workers win across the city." It is a strong statement echoing the sentiment of hotel workers throughout San Antonio and beyond, laying the groundwork for continued advocacy and advancements in worker’s rights and compensation, as stated on San Antonio Express-News.
