News Summary
Hilton hotel workers in Orlando have successfully negotiated a new union contract, resulting in significant wage increases and improved job protections for over 300 employees. The new contract will raise housekeeper wages from $16 to $21 per hour immediately and aims to reach $24 by June 2028. Additional benefits include reduced medical costs, a new dental plan, and automatic gratuity for dining staff. The approval rate among union members was overwhelmingly positive, with 97% voting in favor, highlighting a successful negotiation process focused on worker rights.
Orlando, Florida – Hilton hotel workers in Orlando have successfully negotiated a new union contract, bringing substantial wage increases and improved job protections for over 300 employees at Hilton Buena Vista Palace and DoubleTree Universal hotels. UNITE HERE Local 737, which represents 19,000 service and hospitality workers in Central Florida, announced this development via social media.
Under the terms of the new contract, the minimum wage for housekeepers will increase from $16 to $21 an hour immediately, with the aim of reaching $24 an hour by June 2028. Workers in the lowest-paid job classifications at the hotel will see their hourly wage rise from $14.50 to $17, with a minimum of $20 by the same date. This means that some employees can expect pay increases as high as $10 per hour over the duration of the contract.
The new contract also includes a significant reduction in medical costs, the introduction of a new dental plan, and provisions for lower workloads for housekeepers. In addition to these financial benefits, servers and bartenders will now receive a 20% automatic gratuity on all guest checks at the hotel’s dining facilities.
The contract’s approval rate was overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of union members voting in favor of the new agreement. The negotiations have resulted in heightened job security for immigrant workers, addressing concerns around paperwork issues and potential job loss due to work authorization challenges. Workers who leave their positions due to loss of work authorization can return if they regain proof of status within two years. Additionally, union members are entitled to paid time off for becoming U.S. citizens and unpaid time off for immigration proceedings, ensuring better support during grievance processes through language assistance.
Contract negotiations commenced last year, with a primary focus on improving minimum wage, increasing pension plans, enhancing healthcare affordability, and reducing workloads. The union organized rallies to bring attention to the struggles workers have faced, particularly as many felt exploited compared to non-union temporary workers hired by Hilton.
Before the new contract, workers expressed discontent over their wages compared to industry standards, citing that they earned significantly less than their counterparts at Disney-owned hotels. The previous four-year union contract had expired on December 31, 2024, which intensified the urgency of these negotiations.
Hilton Hotels, which operates 24 global lodging brands and more than 8,600 properties worldwide, has faced increasing scrutiny over labor practices, particularly in relation to its treatment of immigrant workers. The hospitality sector is a major employer for many immigrant laborers in the United States, and many Hilton employees hold Temporary Protected Status, making them vulnerable to deportation risks.
The newly ratified contract not only boosts pay and benefits for Hilton workers but also sets a precedent for enhanced support for employees dealing with immigration issues. The attention garnered from various labor unions and advocates further emphasizes the collective push for workers’ rights in the hospitality industry.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Weekly: Hilton Workers Score Wage Increases
- Wikipedia: Union
- WFTV: Resort Fees Showdown
- Google Search: hotel workers rights
- WDW News Today: Unite Here Local 737
- Google Scholar: union contracts in hospitality
- Orlando Weekly: Hilton Workers Picket at Disney Springs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Unions
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
