San Diego Comic-Conis one of the biggest media events of the year. That it’s been canceled since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has made 2022’s iteration of the convention all the more high profile. It would be an unfortunate time for one of the closest hotels toComic-Conto have failed to come to an agreement with its employees' union on a new contract, yet that’s exactly what’s happened. Hilton Hotel and Resort employees at the Hilton Bayfront location have gone on strike as SDCC begins.
As reported byCBR, Hilton Bayfront workers are currently protesting outside of the hotel as part of their ongoing strike. The contract betweenHiltonand its workers, which are represented by the United Here Local 30 union, ended this past November and negotiations have failed since. Employees have asked for a pay increase of $4 an hour over the next two years, as well as plans to introduce stay-over cleaning. Hilton is offering a $2.50 increase over 18 months, but no support for daily housekeeping.
RELATED:Marvel Studios Will Return To Comic-Con With Hall H Panel
While the negotiations are at the heart of why Hilton employees are striking, the straw that broke the camel’s back is that Hilton is pushing to raise monthly parking fees for hotel workers from $45 to $65. As audacious as it is to require employees to pay for parking, something they’re unable to avoid, the price increase would diminish if not erase any pay increase negotiated for the future.
It’s unclear at this point in time just how impactful the strike will be on SDCC. The Hilton Bayfront is one of the main hotel partners for themajor fan convention, but as for what specific ways the strike will disrupt ongoing hotel operations only time will tell. Still, with potentially over 100,000 convention goers in the area over the weekend, intermingling with striking hotel workers in front of the Hilton Bayfront, a bare minimum of chaos is to be expected.
For the time being, no public statement has been issued by Hilton regarding the strike or negotiations over the new contract. SDCC attendees have even been invited to participate in the strike and show solidarity with workers. Local politicians are also getting involved, withSan Diegocouncilmember Raul Campillo offering their support to the union and asking Hilton Bayfront to deliver a fair contract with fair pay. Fellow San Diego councilmember Stephen Whitburn says that Hilton’s workers are being “left behind.”
Thursday, July 21, is the first official day ofSan Diego Comic-Con 2022with doors having opened at 9:30 AM PT. The convention will last through Sunday, July 24. It’s thefirst SDCC since 2019and attendance is going to be massive. If United Here Local 30 was trying to get Hilton’s attention with its strike, it has certainly done so. Expect further updates in the days to come.
MORE:10 Gaming Events That Were Canceled (Or Postponed) Due To The Coronavirus
