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Hilton Americas and GRB workers press city on wages as strikes continue
Summary
Hotel and convention center workers told the council they have been on strike for more than a month demanding $23 an hour and better contract terms; union leaders said bargaining is ongoing and GRB employees planned a strike‑authorization vote the next day.
Housekeepers, banquet servers and other hospitality workers told the Houston City Council on Oct. 7 that they are striking and seeking higher wages and stronger contract terms from major hospitality employers.
Several workers from the Hilton Americas described how current pay leaves staff financially strained. "My monthly salary is $2,100," said Linda Flores, who said she has worked at the Hilton for almost 14 years. "I have to work a second job to support my 15‑year‑old son." Flores and others said the workforce has been on strike for 37 days and is seeking a base wage of $23 an hour.
Amber White, a PBX operator at Hilton Americas, told the council the strike has continued while bargaining proceeds and that union representatives were actively engaged in negotiations. "A billion‑dollar corporation like Hilton can’t keep disrespecting the very workers who have been there since day one," she said.
Workers from the George R. Brown Convention Center also spoke about pending contract votes. Adriana Rodriguez, a banquet server at the GRB, said many workers will vote on a strike authorization and that low wages force some employees to hold multiple jobs. Several speakers noted the ripple effects for service workers, local small businesses and downtown venues; representatives from arts organizations also urged a fair settlement to sustain the downtown workforce that supports performances and events.
Councilmembers did not take formal action on collective bargaining matters during the meeting. Union representatives said bargaining was ongoing and that they would update the council when substantive progress occurred.
Provenance: Multiple hospitality workers, including housekeepers and banquet servers from Hilton Americas and the George R. Brown Convention Center, addressed the council about wages, strike duration (37 days reported) and an upcoming strike vote for GRB workers.
