Why are Influencers Crossing Hotel Strike Picket Lines?

Breaking News update 10:45am 12/19/24 : Marriott Workers Reach Tentative Agreement for New Contract; Strikes Continue at Hilton and Hyatt. Striking Marriott hotel workers – members of the UNITE HERE Local 2 union – will vote on whether to ratify a tentative agreement for a new contract. Approx. 1,000 Hilton and Hyatt workers remain on strike.

In front of the Palace Hotel, there’s a small white canopy and a table covered with a feast. Striking workers, part of Unite Here Local 2, enjoy cuties oranges and bars to keep their energy up as they march up and down a short picket line. But their efforts are being undermined by an unlikely group: Social media influencers.

Digital content creators are posting evidence of crossing the picket line at the Palace Hotel’s famed Christmas Tea and other events. The situation was first brought to the public’s attention by creator StayReddy (Ashleigh Reddy) on Threads. 

Influencing, Explained

These invitations are often exclusive and may be “comped” (gratis, AKA free) or even compensated at hundreds to thousands of dollars because of the money they might bring in through what is essentially an advertisement. Comped gifts are when a bartender or waiter serves you something complimentary of the chef, at no cost (although tipping is still considered appropriate). Some influencers take it a step further and sign lucrative brand deals. 

Don’t Blame Contracts

Some influencers claim these contracts are forcing their hand, but because choosing to never cross a picket line is considered a protected right under our labor laws, it offers a legitimate reason to exit a contract without being in breach or violation of it. Thank god for unions, am I right?

The workers under the canopy range from room cleaners to dishwashers, and bartenders to servers. These jobs are similar to social media influence work: Smile, tell a good story, be a mirror of whatever your audience truly desires, or even fade into the background so that they can play pretend. It’s why the social media trend of posting the back of an anonymous girl’s head with a cute bow in front of a jaw-dropping holiday tree works, isn’t it?

Why the Palace Hotel?

The reason the Palace Hotel is so popular is because it’s utterly stunning. It’s probably one of the prettiest indoor places in San Francisco, especially during the holidays. But the reason the mirrors shine and the lights aren’t dusty is because of the workers. The Palace Hotel is one of six hotels with workers on strike.

As we often say, you’re closer to the lowest wage than you are to being a billionaire. Influencers could learn a lot about fair wages, contract negotiations, and solidarity from the picket line. If only they’d stop crossing it.

Strike May End Soon

There may be an end in sight. The representatives we spoke to on Wednesday, December 18th said that only yesterday they finally got called to the negotiating table. Unfortunately, yesterday’s chat ended abruptly but they’ve got hope. When asked if they’d be striking on Christmas Eve, they said they’re waiting to get called back any day now to continue negotiations.

Picket lines are allowed to make some noise up until 10pm, when they fall silent to respect those who are sleeping. But that doesn’t mean they go inside. The people on the picket line are out there 24/7, rotating in shifts. This physical presence is supposed to be a sacred symbol that folks crossing it are siding with management. And in the Palace Hotel’s case, management made over $22 million in 2023. A leaflet at their table explains that it would take a room cleaner more than 365 years to make that much. 

What are they striking for? 

The workers aren’t asking for much, and even if they were, who’d blame them? They are hoping that drastic cuts and corporate greed arising from the Pandemic don’t stick around. This was a time when companies refused raises and even cut down staff. And while tourism is still slow to rebound, it’s not a good look for a supposedly pro-union town to let this very visible strike against very ugly conditions continue. 

Their specific demands can be found at Local 2 Unite Here’s website. That’s where you can also find details about how to sign their pledge or donate to keep the striking workers’ families fed.

Screenshots Are Forever

So keep an eye out for the many, many influencers creating content and tagging the six striking hotels, because they are in fact crossing a picket line. Even if they think they’re above it. 

And in the meantime, the organizers said, “Why not come make a video here with us?” The offer stands for content creators to come pose, post, and show some solidarity with striking workers. Remember, the digital footprint lasts a lot longer than the strike, which will hopefully end soon. And the tagged section of PalaceHotelSF is public.

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