UNITE HERE Report

Marriott and Host Emerge as Prime Focus of Contentious Union Contract Negotiations in 10 Cities

Hospitality union UNITE HERE released a report today on the unprecedented number of simultaneous union contract renegotiations occurring at leading hospitality companies in 2018, and the potential impact of those negotiations on two leading companies in particular: Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) and Host Hotels and Resorts (NYSE:HST).

Last month, the Union inked landmark settlements with the largest gaming companies on the Las Vegas Strip, which included precedent-setting agreements on automation and sexual harassment. Since then, Marriott has emerged as the largest hospitality employer still facing multiple renegotiations, with 49 expiring hotel contracts largely concentrated in 10 cities.

This year marks the first time Marriott has been the dominant employer in hotel contract negotiations across North America. Marriott’s 2016 acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts resulted in a 126 percent increase in the number of Marriott-operated properties with workforces represented by UNITE HERE affiliates—from 46 hotels prior to the merger to 104 post-merger —and tripled the number of contracts which Marriott will be responsible for renegotiating in 2018 — from 15 to 49.

Among owners of Marriott-operated hotels, Host Hotels and Resorts is particularly exposed, with nine properties representing nearly $160 million in estimated EBITDA subject to contract renegotiations.

Download the full report here.

UNITE HERE is the North American hospitality union with more than 275,000 members in the US and Canada.

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