Over 80 arrested in San Francisco during hotel workers' demonstration Wednesday
85 striking hotel workers arrested in San Francisco for blocking traffic
Eighty five striking hotel workers were arrested Wednesday in San Francisco for obstruction of free movement when they blocked traffic in Union Square. Some 2,000 workers have been striking since their union contract expired in August. Hyatt hotels says the union has not contacted them to resume bargaining since the strike started.
SAN FRANCISCO - Dozens of striking hotel workers in San Francisco were arrested Wednesday evening during a demonstration near Union Square, according to the union.
Around 85 striking hotel workers and supporters were arrested for blocking traffic on the cable car tracks on Powell Street, the union said. The San Francisco Police Department confirmed the number of those arrested to KTVU. Police said they gave a dispersal order at 5:32 p.m. to protesters who refused to get up as they blocked traffic.
"Officers developed probable cause to arrest 85 suspects who refused to comply. There were no reported injuries as a result of the incident," police said.
Police said 84 suspects were cited and released from Northern Station for obstruction of free movement. One suspect was cited and released.
Protestors called for a new contract and better wages, affordable health care and the restoration of jobs cut during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hundreds of striking hotel workers in San Francisco demonstrating Wednesday evening blocked streets by Union Square, authorities said. October 30, 2024
The workers are represented by Unite Here Local 2 and have been on strike since September.
On Wednesday, throngs of demonstrators blocked streets by Union Square, effectively shutting down Powell Street between Geary Boulevard and O'Farrell street. The street was jammed with protesters carrying signs that read "Bet on SF" and they chanted "no contract, no peace."
Workers say they have offered sacrifices to reach an agreement such as giving up guaranteed wage increases and making their checks contingent on hotel profits.
"People wanna do the right thing, they wanna stay in hotels where workers are treated fairly. So people are moving their business out of these hotels that are on strike. And that hurts the companies, and you know, those guests. So you know, we wanna be able to resolve this, and bring business back to San Francisco," said Unite Here Local 2 President Lizzy Tapia.
City officials alerted the public to avoid the area through the Department of Emergency Management's Nixle alert. They said the "civic demonstration" was resolved at around 7:45 p.m.
The striking workers are from the San Francisco Marriott Union Square, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square, and the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.
The ongoing strike includes 2,000 housekeepers, bellhops, cooks, dishwashers, doormen, servers and bartenders, according to the union.
Before the arrests on social media, UNITE HERE Local 2, the union representing the workers posted, "Bet on SF. Hotel workers love San Francisco – and we're going to fight for it. We want the hotels to invest in this city and the workers. They can use their billions to help end the doom loop."
United Here Local 2 said the ball is in the hotel companies court.
Representatives with Hyatt Hotels told KTVU the union has not contacted them to resume bargaining since the strike began and that their hotels continue to offer competitive wages and benefits.
SFPD said this remains an open and active investigation.
KTVU contributed to this report.
Hundreds of striking hotel workers in San Francisco demonstrating Wednesday evening blocked streets by Union Square, authorities said. October 30, 2024Hundreds of striking hotel workers in San Francisco demonstrating Wednesday evening blocked streets
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