More than 200 protestors, mainly Unite Here Local 11 union members, marched near the entrance of the Fairmont Miramar hotel in Santa Monica on the afternoon of Thursday 14 June 2023 in an impressive display of unity and solidarity.
The demonstration marked the latest in a series of rolling strikes across Orange and Los Angeles counties, as workers from the hospitality industry fight for better contracts to address their concerns about low pay and inadequate health benefits.
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They were joined by around 50 members from the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), who recently initiated their own strikes in Hollywood.
Different struggles, shared goals
The presence of the Hollywood unions at the Fairmont Miramar strike may seem an unusual alliance, but it speaks to the common struggles faced by workers across many sectors.
Despite differences in ethnic backgrounds and wage scales, both groups share the same core issues: demanding fair compensation and improved working conditions.
While television screenwriters and actors seek higher pay based on their wage scale, which can reach a minimum of $28,403 for a half-hour script, hotel and airport workers in Los Angeles are pushing for a minimum wage increase to $25 per hour, equivalent to $52,000 per year for full-time employees.
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By GlobalDataShared solidarity, shared resistance
At the Fairmont Miramar protest, the shared struggles and determination to stand up against unfair treatment were evident. Members of both unions expressed their frustrations, fears and unwavering resolve to fight for a better future.
Playwright Sam Chanse, wearing a Writers Guild T-shirt, highlighted the importance of showing up for each other, stating, “There’s a perception that we have little in common, but we’re both fighting for our future.”
Housekeeper Lili Hernandez and bellman Brett Nichols echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need to support one another to prevent sinking amidst the challenges they face.
Building a transformative coalition
The collaboration between blue-collar service workers and white-collar Hollywood professionals represents a powerful coalition that transcends ethnic, class and geographic lines.
Union leaders from Unite Here and the Hollywood unions have been working together for years, with their partnership strengthening during the pandemic. The devastating impact on both the tourism and entertainment industries sparked a shared sense of urgency in fighting for their livelihoods.
Unite Here co-president Kurt Petersen emphasised that their struggles are intertwined and the significance of Hollywood workers joining the fight.
Solidarity’s long history
The collaboration between Unite Here and the Hollywood unions did not emerge overnight. It has been built upon years of planning, outreach and mutual support.
One significant milestone was the Chateau Marmont battle, where Unite Here picketed for two years after the hotel fired its staff and announced its transformation into a members-only resort.
The Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA stood in solidarity with the picketing workers, leading to the hotel’s eventual reopening with Unite Here staff.
The profound gratitude and debt owed to the Hollywood unions were acknowledged by Unite Here co-president Petersen.
A growing movement
As the sun began to set, the crowd at the Fairmont Miramar protest continued to swell. The demonstration received additional support from commuters, honking and shouting in solidarity.
The only silent presence was the hotel’s security guards, whose expressions reflected the intensity of the situation. Nicole Miller, president of a chapter of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), joined the picket line and emphasised the turning point that had been reached.
The shared symbols of raised fists and clasped hands displayed on her IATSE uniform affirmed the growing partnership between her union and Unite Here.
In a time where politicians often speak of coalition-building without achieving it, the unity displayed between Unite Here, the Writers Guild of America, and SAG-AFTRA presents a powerful example.
Their collective struggle for better working conditions and fair wages has the potential to transform the region, as they continue to fight together for a brighter future for all workers.
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