Congress debates a bill – our union fights to make sure workers get help

The US Congress is considering a new law that might help working families hurt by the coronavirus layoffs and cutbacks. The law passed the Senate yesterday, but the union is still fighting to make sure that the bill helps workers first. We want to make sure that workers can keep their health care secure, even […]

SF hires first hotels to help fight against coronavirus – Local 2 reaches agreement

The City and County of San Francisco has contracted with the first hotels to provide a safe place for vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis. As part of the deal, Local 2 has reached an agreement with the Americania Hotel and the Good Hotel to make sure that workers can return to work in a […]

Chronicle covers SFO airport workers facing layoffs

The SF Chronicle ran a story about Local 2 and other union workers at the airport. They interviewed Pearl Li, who talked about how she has to buy her own masks from friends in China to feel safe working at Gate Gourmet. Airline kitchen workers continue to work during this pandemic, even though their employers – Gate […]

San Francisco health care benefits secure until July 31

Members who get health care through the union’s San Francisco fund will have coverage extended through July 31, regardless of how many hours you work. If you were eligible any month between October 2019 and March 2020, you can receive coverage for March through July. If you work at the Giants’ Oracle Park, and you […]

Local 2 is working to extend health care

If you are in the San Mateo health fund (airport concession workers, San Mateo hotel workers), your coverage will continue at least through July 31 regardless of how many hours you work. The union is asking the San Francisco health fund to extend benefits too. Check back here for more information.  If you are in a company plan or […]

Union supports using hotels to protect the vulnerable; urges officials to consult with workers

UNITE HERE, the union representing over 300,000 hospitality workers in the US and Canada, said today that while it endorses the judicious use of such facilities to protect the sick and vulnerable during this public health crisis, government officials must consult with worker representatives before hotels, conference centers, or stadiums are used for emergency operations. Click […]

Congress gives more sick leave if you work for a small company and aren’t laid off

Most union contracts already provide more paid time off than any law gives you, but UNITE HERE is fighting to change the laws during this crisis.  Here is the latest law passed by Congress: If your employer has less than 500 employees, a new law gives you an extra 80 hours paid sick leave between […]

“America’s cleaners: fighting on the coronavirus front line”: Reuters interviews Local 2 member

“I’m more afraid about my bills than the coronavirus,” she said, adding that she would struggle to afford groceries, her car payments and insurance, and other outgoings. “Being a single mom, you live paycheck to paycheck.”… Click here for the whole article.

“A torrent of job losses”: New York Times interviews Local 2 member

“…Mr. Javier had worked at the hotel about six years and earned $600 to $700 a week during the winter, typically a slow season. He said he and his co-workers got word of deep cuts two weeks ago, after which his hours were scaled back…” Click here for the whole article.

UNITE HERE Local 2 Statement on COVID-19

For Immediate Release March 5, 2020 Ted Waechter 919-636-1124 [email protected]   UNITE HERE Local 2 is the hospitality workers’ union for San Francisco and San Mateo counties, representing 14,000 airport, hotel, and food service workers. We are closely monitoring developments surrounding COVID-19 and are concerned for the safety and well-being of all workers. We will […]