Some 1,500 workers at Marriott's seven Boston hotels walked off the job at 6 a.m. with many joining a picket line outside the company's Sheraton Hotel on Dalton Street.
"One job should be enough," the picketing workers shouted. Boston Police were on site to help ensure order.
Tula Savvidis, a banquet bartender of 18 years, says her wages have not kept up with rising costs. “We are all struggling ... in this bursting economy," she said.
Contract negotiations have dragged on for several months and the union had threatened to strike in recent weeks. Union 26 President Brian Lang says contract talks broke down two days ago over the issue of wages. He says having 1,500 workers go out on strike is a difficult decision.
"There’s never been a hotel strike in the City of Boston. This is a first It’s a shame it had to come to this," Lang said.
Another sticking point has been retirement benefits. Striking worker Mei Leung says she's been with Marriott hotels for 30 years and would like to retire.
"I’m 71 years old I’m old that job is hard not easy to do,” she said.
Striking workers are asking guests not to cross picket lines.
Kim Barksdale, a hotel guest in town from Kansas City says the strike has been disruptive for her.
"[There is] not a lot of service period," Berksdale said.
Marriott management has said all along they were hoping to avert a strike, but that the hotels will remain open.
"Marriott’s current economic proposal matches the economic terms in the parties’ last contract, which included the largest increases in the parties’ bargaining history. We have not proposed any changes to our associates’ health, welfare or retirement benefits," a Marriott spokesperson released in a statement. "While we respect our associates’ rights to participate in this work stoppage, we also will welcome any associate who chooses to continue to work.”
