A heated discussion about labor rights and contract negotiations took center stage at the Houston City Council meeting on September 9, 2025, as council members and union representatives addressed ongoing issues faced by hotel workers. The focus was on the Hilton hotel’s treatment of its employees, particularly regarding scheduled hours and wage negotiations.

Councilman Alcorn opened the dialogue by expressing concern over workers not receiving their promised hours, highlighting a pattern where employees are sent home early to cut costs. “They think they’re getting 8 hours, but they only get 4 hours,” he noted, emphasizing the need for transparency in scheduling practices.

Union representatives voiced their frustrations over stalled negotiations with Hilton, pointing out that the hotel has been profitable, yet workers are not receiving fair compensation. “We know they have been substantially profitable in the tens of millions of dollars every year,” one representative stated, urging the council to support their call for wage increases. The union is seeking a raise that aligns with agreements made in other Texas cities, where similar hotels have granted significant pay increases.

Councilman Davis pressed for clarity on the financial data related to Hilton’s profits, noting that the operating agreement provided to the council was heavily redacted, making it difficult to assess the hotel's financial standing. “If at any point in time, you feel like this is going above and beyond what your profit level is, we’re welcome to hear that,” he said, advocating for more openness in the negotiation process.

The discussion also touched on the impact of a potential strike, with union leaders explaining that the decision to extend the strike was a response to Hilton’s lack of engagement in negotiations. “Strikes are hard. These are people that don’t have a lot of money,” one leader remarked, underscoring the sacrifices workers are making in their fight for fair treatment.

As the meeting concluded, council members expressed solidarity with the workers, acknowledging the courage it takes to stand up for their rights. The council's commitment to supporting labor rights and ensuring fair negotiations with Hilton remains a priority as discussions continue.