TL/DR –
Sheraton hotel workers in downtown Phoenix, operated by Marriott, went on strike during the first day of the NCAA Tournament Final Four at State Farm Stadium, claiming unlawful behavior by hotel management. The Sheraton is one of three Marriott hotels designated as a “host hotel” for the tournament, with workers accusing the management of labor violations, including improper interrogation, surveillance, and suppressing workers’ rights to engage in labor demonstrations. The hotels’ collective bargaining agreements expired last June, allowing workers to participate in picket lines, strikes, and other labor demonstrations.
Sheraton Hotel Workers Strike During NCAA Tournament
Hotel staff at the Sheraton in downtown Phoenix staged a strike to protest alleged illegal actions by hotel management during the NCAA Tournament Final Four at State Farm Stadium. The Sheraton, together with the Renaissance and Westin hotels, are three Marriott hotels designated as “host hotels” for the Final Four event.
Protests began on Wednesday with workers in red shirts forming picket lines at each hotel. They informed guests, including college basketball players and staff, to seek refunds if the protests affect their stays. The workers accused hotel management of multiple labor violations such as inappropriate interrogation and surveillance tactics, infringing upon workers’ rights to engage in labor demonstrations.
All three Marriott hotels’ collective bargaining agreements expired last June, allowing workers to participate in labor protests. UNITE HERE Local 11, the labor union that represents over 32,000 hospitality workers in Arizona and Southern California, including the Marriott employees, is behind these demonstrations.
Besides the semifinal games and final matchup, the Final Four event encompasses a weekend of activities including a three-day music festival and a large fan fest at the Phoenix Convention Center. The previous Final Four event in 2017 saw hotels in the area enjoying a 27% revenue surge, according to CoStar.
However, the labor union expressed disappointment at the NCAA’s decision to host teams in hotels that have not offered a living wage to their workers for the last nine months.
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