SF Marriott hotel workers on day 16 of strike: Not leaving until we win

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - It’s been nearly two and a half weeks since Marriott hotel workers walked out of their jobs and got on the picket lines. 

Momentum of this strike doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon as a demonstration in San Francisco led hundreds of people through the streets to call for change. The solidarity march brought together different unions and supporters from around the Bay Area.

Familiar chants echo through San Francisco. Day 16 of the Marriott employee strike and workers and supporters once again took to the streets of the city to demand change.

“This is a fight this is a battle we’re fighting the largest hotel chain in the world but that has given us more of the energy we need to continue on,” said Lisa Correa, Marriott employee on strike.  

The San Francisco Labor Council invited supporters to a solidarity march Saturday morning where hundreds crowded Market Street in hopes Marriott meets their needs.

“The goal is to get them to sit down and give us and sign a fair contract,” Nicholas Javier Marriott Employee on Strike.

Employees say they want job security, safer working conditions and better pay. Lisa Correa has worked for the hotel chain for nearly three decades and says it’s a struggle.

“I’m not fortunate enough to make enough money to live in SF. I commute 39 miles one way I tack on three hours to my day to come to work,” she said. 

KTVU reached out to Marriott for comment. An international spokesperson said, in part:

"Marriott International has created thousands of jobs in San Francisco and millions of jobs in the U.S. and around the world. These are good jobs that have led to our associates building multi-decade careers with our company. In fact, half of our General Managers started in the hourly ranks at our hotels. The work is not easy, but it is highly valued by both the company and the guests we serve." 

San Francisco police stopped traffic as marchers worked their way down Market Street. Another demonstration last week landed dozens behind bars according to union officials. Employees admit going on strike wasn’t an easy decision but say they’re committed 

“We’re going to be here until we win,” said Javier.