Hotel workers picket
Workers picket outside the Hilton Bayfront San Diego on July 8. Courtesy of the union

Negotiators for Unite Here Local 30 reached a tentative agreement with management Wednesday night that ended a strike by workers at the Hilton Bayfront San Diego.

“This tentative agreement addresses the many issues our hotel workers are experiencing in this tough economic environment,” said Brigette Browning, president of the union local.

Union officials did not release details of the agreement, and said it must be ratified by union membership. Workers were seeking a $4 per hour raise that would phase in over two years.

The strike began Wednesday morning just hours before the beginning of the first in-person Comic-Con convention in two years.

“We did not want to strike during this important week for San Diego tourism, but it’s clear this is what it took to get the wages and benefits these workers deserve,” Browning said.

The local represents cooks, dishwashers, food servers, bussers, banquet workers, housekeepers, laundry attendants and front desk agents.

Last week Mayor Todd Gloria called for the workers to receive a “fair contract” in the aftermath of the pandemic.

“These workers deserve a fair contract with pay, benefits, and hours that reflect that their work is essential to the health of San Diego’s economy,” he said.

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.