In a significant display of solidarity, dozens of Marriott City Center workers in downtown Oakland staged a walkout on Tuesday morning, demanding a meeting with hotel management regarding stalled contract negotiations. The workers have been in discussions for 50 days but report that management has only met with them once. During the rally, employees approached the hotel lobby to speak with General Manager Kurt Hanson, who was reportedly unavailable for comment. Unite HERE Local 2, the union representing the workers, has indicated that while a strike has been authorized, the focus remains on reopening negotiations. This action is part of a larger trend affecting hotel workers nationwide, with thousands striking for better wages and improved working conditions across more than 25 cities.

The Marriott City Center, which boasts 500 rooms, is the largest hotel in the East Bay and plays a crucial role in the local economy. The workers' demands for fair treatment come in the wake of a slow recovery for the hotel industry post-pandemic, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for labor relations in the hospitality sector moving forward.