San Francisco supervisors hear monthlong Marriott hotel strike; workers press for health care and job security

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting as a committee of the whole on Nov. 2, 2018, to hear firsthand testimony from striking Marriott hotel workers and Unite Here Local 2 leaders about a monthlong labor dispute that union speakers said involved roughly 2,000–2,500 workers at seven Marriott-operated hotels.

The hearing drew dozens of workers and supporters to the Board Chamber. Union leader Anand Singh, president of Unite Here Local 2, told supervisors the strike reflected broader problems in the city and said, "One job should be enough." Singh said negotiators had made “significant progress” on job security in recent talks but remained far apart from the company on health-care commitments. He said the union expected to return to the bargaining table in San Francisco on Nov. 12.

Why it matters: Striking workers told the board they cannot afford San Francisco rents, that many hold two or three jobs to make ends meet and that employer-paid health coverage and stronger job protections are central demands. Supervisors repeatedly framed the dispute as a test of corporate responsibility in a city where tourism and hotels generate billions in annual spending.

Board proceedings and votes

Before opening public testimony, members appointed Supervisor Norman Yee to serve as presiding officer pro tem for the meeting and voted to excuse President London N. Breed (not present), Supervisor Sandra (Kim) and Supervisor…