Strikes impacting the Bay Area this holiday season

SAN FRANCISCO - One strike may be over in San Francisco while another is just getting underway.

Workers at Marriott Hotels have been on strike for months and voted on a new contract Thursday. At the same time, Amazon workers have just walked off the job.

Amazon workers nationwide and in San Francisco walked off the job and onto the picket lines. Backed by the Teamsters, dozens of workers in one of the city's distribution warehouses asked Amazon for pay increases, better benefits and to recognize the union. 

They say they gave Amazon a Dec. 15 deadline but were ignored. 

"They refused to do that, they ignored all the other deadlines that we've set for them," said Josh Black. "So, now they've left us with no choice but to strike."

Amazon responded to the strike, saying in part, "This is another attempt to push a false narrative. The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them."

The picket line slowed delivery vehicles, but workers say they understand that people around the Bay are waiting for holiday gifts and there may be some delays. 

"It may," said Black. "We hope it doesn't, we hope everybody gets their packages on time. That's up to Amazon. If Amazon wants to bargain with us, they could end this strike right now."

As Amazon workers walked off the job, workers at the Marriott Hotels began voting on a new contract offer. Workers say it appears to be a good deal with medical benefits and wages that they need to be, just in time for the holidays. 

"It's a great deal," said Marriott worker Lisa Kaid. "We were able to gain wage increases that are much needed with inflation nowadays."

While Marriott workers may be on their way to a contract, negotiations are still underway for Hilton and Hyatt workers. With a deal in the works with the Marriott, union leaders say it's up to the Hilton and Hyatt to come to the table before the holidays. 

"I don't know if it makes it more likely, that's for them to decide," said Anand Singh. "But, I think the fact that there is now a contract that is a standard in the city makes the decision simple for them."

Marriott workers could be back on the job by Saturday with a new contract in place.