Senator Bernie Sanders has voiced strong support for workers striking at the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel. On September 10, 2025, he posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, stating he stands proudly with them against corporate greed. The hotel, a 1,200-room facility in downtown Houston connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center, saw workers begin their action on Labor Day, September 1, 2025. This event stands out as hotel strikes remain rare in Texas.
These workers belong to Unite Here Local 23, a union aiding hospitality employees. Their strike follows the expiration of previous contracts, pushing for improved terms. Owned by the local government entity Houston First Corporation, where the mayor appoints leaders, the hotel faces ongoing negotiations amid the action.
The Strike at Hilton Americas-Houston
Workers walked off the job before dawn on September 1, 2025, initially planning a nine-day strike. They later extended it through September 20, 2025, adding 11 more days. Daily picketing occurs outside the hotel, with employees carrying signs to highlight their cause and rally public backing. As one of Houston’s largest venues hosting numerous events, the strike impacts operations significantly.
Historians and experts note this as Texas’s first modern hotel workers’ strike, with no similar recent precedents found in records. The state’s labor history includes frequent strikes in the late 1800s, but subsequent laws shifted the landscape. Texas’s right-to-work status allows employment without union membership, often weakening organized labor and attracting businesses from union-strong regions.
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In this context, Houston hospitality workers—handling tasks like room cleaning, food service, and guest assistance—are asserting their rights. Union leaders remain committed, continuing discussions with management. Hilton affirms respect for strikers’ rights and seeks good-faith negotiations for a mutual agreement. The union also covers employees at nearby sites like the Marriott Marquis and Bush Airport facilities.
On September 3, 2025, strikers marched during the action’s third day. By September 11, 2025, the strike reached its 11th day, underscoring persistence amid Texas’s challenging environment for unions.
Senator Sanders’ Strong Support
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime advocate for labor rights, amplified the cause on September 10, 2025. His X post under @SenSanders garnered over 274,000 views, 3,600 likes, and numerous shares. He declared pride in standing with Houston Hilton workers striking against corporate greed, noting the company’s $2.9 billion stock buyback and CEO’s $28 million compensation as evidence of affordability for a $23 hourly living wage.
I’m proud to stand in solidarity with Hilton Hotel workers in Houston who are on strike against corporate greed.
If Hilton can afford to spend $2.9 billion to buy back its own stock and pay its CEO $28 million, it can afford to pay workers a living wage of at least $23 an hour. pic.twitter.com/HcXjQ78tX0
— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) September 10, 2025
A living wage covers essentials like housing, food, and utilities. Sanders reinforced this via a September 4, 2025, letter to Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta, labeling current wages appalling. He highlighted struggles on $16.50 hourly pay and pressed for fair contract talks. Sanders engaged directly with workers, learning their hardships.
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The post featured images of picketers with “On Strike” and “Fair Wages Now” signs. Responses varied, but it boosted visibility. Sanders replicated the message on Bluesky and Facebook. This aligned with Labor Day activities nationwide, where worker rallies occurred, including Houston’s strike.
Local politicians echoed support, including U.S. Reps. Al Green and Sylvia Garcia, plus state Reps. Gene Wu, Jolanda Jones, and Jon Rosenthal.
Workers’ Demands and Daily Struggles
Strikers seek wages rising from $16.50 to $23 hourly, exceeding Texas’s $7.25 minimum but addressing Houston’s high costs. Estimates show a single adult needs $22.18 hourly for basics, while a parent with two children requires $25.22. Many hold multiple jobs yet face financial strain amid widening income disparities.
They also demand enhanced conditions as expenses for rent and groceries climb. Unite Here President Gwen Mills termed the strike historic for Texas hospitality. Despite a recent Hilton offer, deemed insufficient, negotiations persist.
Daily marches and pickets maintain momentum. Texas hotel jobs often feature low pay and limited benefits, especially in the South. Historians view this as courageous given pro-business laws. University of Houston’s Nancy Beck Young praised the boldness. Northern Texas University’s Chad Pearson noted longstanding Southern anti-union trends. Texas State University’s Thomas Alter described low-wage workers as an awakening force.