Buffalo, NY, October 22, 2025

Union workers at the Buffalo Hyatt Regency have escalated their labor dispute, calling for a citywide boycott due to unfair labor practices and stalled contract negotiations. Over 200 employees are demanding better wages and health benefits as living costs rise. The boycott, organized by UNITE HERE Local 100, has resulted in a significant drop in weekend bookings, increasing pressure on hotel management. Rallies and community outreach are amplifying support for the union’s demands, signaling a growing solidarity movement across the region.

Buffalo Hyatt Regency Workers Escalate Boycott Call Over Labor Dispute

Buffalo, NY – Union workers at the Buffalo Hyatt Regency have intensified their labor dispute by launching a citywide boycott, citing unfair labor practices and stalled contract negotiations. Over 200 employees are demanding improved wages and health benefits, as living costs in the area continue to rise. The action, organized by UNITE HERE Local 100, has already led to a 30% drop in weekend bookings at the hotel, signaling growing economic pressure on management.

The escalation comes amid ongoing contract talks that have reached an impasse. Workers report that despite multiple negotiation sessions, the hotel’s offers do not adequately address their core demands. Management maintains that their proposals are competitive and generous, but employees argue these fall short in light of rising inflation and the need for affordable healthcare coverage. Rallies organized outside the hotel have drawn crowds of supporters, disrupting normal operations and drawing attention to the workers’ plight.

Details of the Boycott and Its Immediate Impact

The boycott call extends beyond the hotel’s immediate vicinity, urging Buffalo residents and visitors to avoid patronizing the property until a fair agreement is reached. Organizers from UNITE HERE Local 100 have coordinated efforts to spread awareness through social media, flyers, and community outreach. This has resonated with local communities, where solidarity actions from nearby businesses are emerging. Some establishments have voiced support by refusing to host events that involve the hotel, further amplifying the workers’ message.

The 30% decline in weekend bookings represents a significant hit to the hotel’s revenue stream. This figure, gathered from initial reports following the rally announcements, underscores the boycott’s effectiveness in the short term. Employees involved in the dispute, who include housekeeping staff, front-desk workers, and kitchen personnel, have been withholding their labor during peak hours to maximize visibility. The action has not yet escalated to a full walkout, but a strike vote is set for next week, which could alter the dynamics considerably.

Background on the Labor Dispute

The conflict at the Buffalo Hyatt Regency stems from a collective bargaining agreement that expired several months ago. Since then, over 200 unionized employees have been working without a contract, leading to heightened tensions. The union has highlighted specific grievances, including stagnant wages that fail to keep pace with the region’s increasing cost of living. For instance, housing and grocery expenses in Buffalo have surged in recent years, placing additional strain on hourly workers who rely on steady income and robust benefits.

Health benefits remain a central issue, with workers pushing for more comprehensive coverage to offset rising medical costs. The union argues that the hotel’s current offers do not sufficiently cover premiums or deductibles, leaving employees vulnerable. Management, on the other hand, has emphasized efforts to balance operational costs with employee needs, pointing to industry standards as a benchmark for their proposals. Negotiations have involved mediators, but progress has been slow, prompting the boycott as a strategic response.

Buffalo’s labor landscape provides context for this dispute. The city has seen a rise in union activities across hospitality and service sectors, driven by post-pandemic economic recovery challenges. Similar actions at other local hotels have resulted in concessions from employers, setting a precedent that UNITE HERE Local 100 hopes to leverage. Community support has been building, with local advocacy groups joining rallies to emphasize the broader implications for worker rights in the region.

Potential Next Steps and Broader Implications

As the strike vote approaches, both sides are preparing for possible outcomes. A successful vote could lead to picketing and service disruptions, affecting not only the hotel but also Buffalo’s tourism sector. The boycott’s expansion to include solidarity from nearby businesses suggests a coordinated effort to pressure the ownership, which is part of a larger hospitality chain. Resolving the dispute would require compromises on wages, benefits, and working conditions to satisfy the over 200 employees.

This situation highlights ongoing tensions in the hospitality industry, where labor shortages and inflation have complicated negotiations. For Buffalo, a city reliant on conventions and events, prolonged unrest could impact the local economy. Observers note that successful boycotts in similar disputes have often led to improved contracts, offering hope to the workers while underscoring the need for dialogue.

The developments at the Buffalo Hyatt Regency serve as a reminder of the critical role unions play in advocating for fair treatment. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the upcoming strike vote and any breakthroughs in talks.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue in the Buffalo Hyatt Regency labor dispute?
Union workers are demanding better wages and health benefits amid stalled contract talks due to rising living costs.

How many employees are involved?
Over 200 employees are participating in the dispute.

Who organized the boycott?
UNITE HERE Local 100 organized the boycott and rallies.

What impact has the boycott had so far?
The boycott has led to a 30% drop in weekend bookings at the hotel.

What is management’s response?
Management claims their offers for wages and benefits are generous.

What is scheduled for next week?
A strike vote is scheduled for next week.

How are nearby businesses responding?
Solidarity actions from nearby businesses are growing, pressuring owners to negotiate.

Key Features of the Labor Dispute

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Author: HERE BUFFALO