Providence Omni Hotel Union Workers Vote to Approve Strike

Providence Omni Hotel Union Workers Vote to Approve Strike

Omni Hotel is now facing the potential of a strike at the downtown Providence hotel.

On Wednesday, 83% of UNITE HERE Local 26 workers at the Omni Providence Hotel have voted to authorize a labor strike. There were 165 "Yes" votes and four "No" votes, claims the union.

Because the hotel’s union contract expired on January 31, 2024, a strike could begin at any time, but no timeframe has been set.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

The union said there are not any negotiations scheduled with the owners of the property.

A strike would include room attendants, housepersons, front desk agents, lobby attendants, bellpersons, banquet servers, utility stewards, cooks, cashiers, engineers, gym attendants, and others.

Among other key demands, Omni Providence hotel workers are fighting for significant wage increases, improved pension benefits, and fewer obstacles to hiring. The exact terms were not disclosed.

Shakira Abad Payano, a full-time room inspector, said she works two or three jobs at a time in order to survive. “On my days off from the hotel, I am working 10-12 hours at my other job. I work seven days a week so that I can give my kids a better life, but I have no time to spend with them. Everything is expensive: rent, childcare, groceries. I earn just enough to survive from day to day. I need a raise so I can save enough money to buy a house.”  

“The workers at Omni Providence have made this difficult decision because they know the future of their families is at stake,” said Carlos Aramayo, President of UNITE HERE Local 26. “They want the hotel to respect their work by paying them fair wages that are commensurate with the cost of living. They want the hotel to respect their guests by providing adequate staffing and supplies, especially in the housekeeping department. The workers have made it clear that if their demands are not met, they will strike.” 

Editor's Note: An earlier version of the story identified  — Procaccianti Group, headquartered in Cranston as the owner. The company has sold the property.