AGREEMENT REACHED: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa is Open for Business
The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa and UNITE HERE Local 878 have reached an agreement, ending a labor dispute that had persisted for ten years.
In 2009, after being unable to come to agreement on a contract, workers voted overwhelmingly to ask the public not to “eat, meet, or sleep” at the Sheraton until the dispute was resolved. While there had been several negotiations since that vote, no agreement was reached until today, when Sheraton workers voted 65-2 in favor of a new contract offered by the Sheraton. The new contract includes wage increases for the next three years, improvements to the health care plan, and bonuses.
“We are very excited to have put this dispute behind us. This new agreement is good for the hotel team members, good for the hotel and good for the municipality of Anchorage” said Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa General Manager Jon Kranock.
“This is a great day for workers at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel,” said UNITE HERE Local 878 President Marvin Jones. “We have sent a clear message that no matter how long it takes we will work tirelessly to enhance the livelihood of our membership, and support strong business in Alaska. We’re absolutely thrilled to have come to agreement and secured a new contract.”
Tomorrow, May 29th, 2019, at 11am there will be a joint press conference with Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa General Manager Jon Kranock and UNITE HERE Local 878 President Marvin Jones. During this press conference the union will be removing a “Boycott Sheraton” sign that has been hanging from the Carpenter’s Hall across the street from the hotel for several years, signifying an official end to the dispute and the boycott and the welcoming of a new era of labor peace and cooperation at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa.
UNITE HERE Local 878 is the union representing hospitality and food service workers in Alaska. They have approximately 1200 members statewide.