Labor disputes threaten hotel industry

Warning of “serious consequences for business travelers, vacationers, conventioneers, travel agents and businesses that thrive on tourism,” Travel Weekly (registration required) today reports on potential strikes by Unite Here, a national union representing 90,000 hotel and restaurant workers.

Fueled by anger over wages and health benefits, forthcoming contract negotiations could result in bitter disputes between Unite Here and employers in the hospitality industry. Travel Weekly mentions the following cities as possible flashpoints: Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Boston, Honolulu, and San Francisco.

Travelers had better hope that Unite Here and the hotels its members work for are able to resolve their differences without walkouts or lockouts. If not, would-be hotel guests may be out of luck (and out of a room) this summer.