Hospitality workers in Philadelphia, united in a union, stage a rally, urging for new contracts as the city prepares for its 400th anniversary, anticipating a surge of attendees.
Union of Philadelphia Hospitality Workers Demands Improved Contracts Ahead of Major Events
UNITE HERE Local 274, a union representing approximately 4,000 hospitality workers in Philadelphia, is currently negotiating new contracts as most of their previous contracts have expired. The union is demanding respect, fair wages, and humane staffing levels in preparation for upcoming major events in 2026, such as the FIFA World Cup and America's 250th anniversary celebrations.
The union's demands are noteworthy, with a focus on improving wages, working conditions, and healthcare benefits for its members. One of the key points in their requests is a wage increase to $30 per hour within three years to keep up with the cost of living.
The urgency of negotiations is heightened by the expected influx of visitors—especially 500,000 for the FIFA World Cup—impacting not only the city economy but also putting pressure on hospitality staffing and services.
Recently, UNITE HERE Local 274 held a rally outside the Sheraton hotel in Center City, Philadelphia, to bring attention to expired contracts at eight hotels across the city. Shafeek Anderson, a banquet steward at the Sheraton hotel, stated that the company is trying to save money by hiring temporary workers over union workers, a situation he described as extremely stressful.
The hotel has been operating without a union contract for at least a year. The union's actions are aimed at improving the working conditions and pay for hospitality workers in the Philadelphia area.
As of late July 2025, the union members are actively picketing and applying pressure, but no final agreement has been publicized yet. The negotiations appear to be ongoing with a strong union presence advocating for these key improvements ahead of Philadelphia hosting large-scale events next year.
The impact of these events on the local economy is significant. The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring $770 million to the local economy and attract half a million visitors. The union's demands for respect, fair wages, and humane staffing levels are seen as crucial in ensuring the city is well-prepared to host these events.
- As the FIFA World Cup and America's 250th anniversary celebrations approach in 2026, UNITE HERE Local 274 is pushing for improved lifestyles for its members, including fair wages and humane staffing levels, to complement the anticipated fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, and shopping experiences for the 500,000 expected visitors.
- UNITE HERE Local 274 is advocating for a wage increase to $30 per hour within three years for its members, citing the rising cost of living and the need for equitable compensation for their work.
- In light of the economic impact of the upcoming events, the union's demands for improved lifestyles and working conditions are seen as essential in ensuring the wellbeing of pets, relationships, and cars that are integral parts of the suburban communities residing near the event venues.
- With negotiations ongoing, the union members are actively picketing and applying pressure towards achieving a comprehensive agreement that addresses their concerns, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for hospitality workers in the Philadelphia area, thereby ensuring a positive and memorable experience for all visitors during the major events next year.
