During a recent meeting of the Mobility Committee on November 14, 2024, significant discussions emerged regarding labor conditions at the Hyatt Place Austin Airport. Workers represented by Unite Here, a union advocating for fair wages and rights, expressed their concerns about ongoing labor disputes and the lack of union recognition at the hotel.

A union organizer highlighted the need for a living wage of $25 an hour for airport workers, emphasizing that most concession companies at the airport comply with Austin's living wage ordinance. However, the Hyatt Place remains the only non-union establishment on airport property, currently paying workers below the mandated wage of $20.80.

The union recently won a representation election with a decisive vote of 24 to 8, but the Hyatt Place management has challenged the election results, filing multiple objections with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). While three of these objections were dismissed, one remains under review, delaying the recognition of the union. Workers reported a hostile work environment post-election, with claims of intimidation leading to the resignation of 33 employees.

Maria Bustamante, a worker and organizer at the Hyatt Place, shared her experiences of increased pressure and fear of termination among her colleagues since the election. She called for community support to address these issues and improve working conditions at the airport.

The committee members acknowledged the testimony and expressed their support for the workers, indicating that the situation is under ongoing review as the NLRB processes the remaining objections. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for labor rights and wage standards in the Austin airport area, highlighting the ongoing struggle for fair treatment among workers in the hospitality industry.