It was a powerful display of solidarity as members of WGA West joined hotel workers in their downtown protest against low pay and limited benefits. United Here Local 11, representing over 32,000 hotel workers in Southern California and Arizona, went on strike on Sunday, and they were soon joined by WGA negotiating committee members David Goodman, Ashley Gable, and Chris Keyser on the picket line in Santa Monica.
, The union has been in negotiations for a new contract since April, fighting for a $5 hourly wage increase now and a $3 boost annually for the next three years. Representing cooks, dishwashers, servers, bellmen, and front-desk agents in hotels across Los Angeles and Orange counties, they are determined to secure better working conditions and fair compensation.
, “Our members have been hit hard by the pandemic and now they face the greed of their employers,” expressed Kurt Petersen, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. “While the industry received bailouts, we faced cuts. And now, instead of negotiating, the hotel representatives have decided to take a four-day holiday. It’s shameful.”
, WGA picketers took to Twitter to share their support for the hotel workers’ cause. Some writers even offered suggestions on how to update their picket signs to further demonstrate solidarity.
