Hotel strike threatens French people’s holidays

The United States, a land of contrasts, never ceases to surprise. As thousands of French tourists prepare to set down their suitcases on American soil to enjoy the charms of the Indian summer, a massive strike has disrupted their plans. Since Sunday, more than 10,000 hotel industry employees have stopped working in several major American cities, from Boston to San Francisco, via Hawaii. The Septemberists risk finding themselves at the heart of a social conflict with potentially disastrous consequences for their stays.

Strikers determined to make themselves heard

In the United States, Labor Day weekend, synonymous with vacations and relaxation, took a very different turn this year. In Boston, San Francisco, and Honolulu (Hawaii), the red of the strikers’ T-shirts replaced the bright colors of summer outfits. Armed with buckets transformed into drums, employees of major hotel groups, such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, intend to make their demands for better working conditions resonate.One job should be enough” (“One job should be enough”) is the rallying cry displayed on their placards, depicting a difficult, even merciless, economic reality for many of them.

Workers are denouncing an untenable situation. Despite the post-Covid economic recovery, marked by hotel rates reaching historic records ($156 per night on average), the workforce has not kept up. This lack of staff, added to workloads that have become unbearable, is pushing these employees to demand not only wage increases, but also a return to decent working conditions.Hotel managers earn millions, while workers struggle to make ends meet” protests a unionist in the columns of Boston Globe.

A direct impact on French people’s stays

For French people planning to visit the United States, the situation is worrying. The strike, which currently affects 24 hotels in eight cities, threatens to paralyze catering, housekeeping and many other services. In the Hawaiian capital, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach hotel in Honolulu, reception staff confirmed that services were significantly reduced, raising fears of major inconvenience for guests.The hotel is open, but the staff is very limited” said an employee on condition of anonymity.

Travelers could therefore be faced with unforeseen inconveniences, starting with the drop in the quality of the services offered. A situation that contrasts sharply with the image of comfort and luxury that these establishments usually project. For French families hoping to discover the wonders of national parks or the vibrant American metropolises, this social conflict comes at the worst possible time.

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What to do for French travelers?

Faced with this uncertain situation, the French must be extra careful. Before leaving, it is essential to check with hotels what services are available and to ensure that they will be able to meet expectations, despite the context. Online booking platforms and travel agencies could prove to be a valuable help in avoiding unpleasant surprises.

In the event of a major disruption, it may be wise to consider alternative solutions, such as choosing self-catering accommodation or extending the use of vacation rentals. Flexibility will be an asset to fully enjoy the American experience, without suffering the effects of this social movement.

While the United States remains a destination of choice for the French, this strike is a reminder that even the best-prepared trips can be disrupted by unforeseen events. It is therefore better to leave informed and prepare backup plans so as not to see your vacation turn into an obstacle course. In short, it is about reconciling the American dream with a good dose of pragmatism.

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