On October 25, Worker Justice Wisconsin members, staff, and community allies picketed in solidarity with the Hilton Monona Terrace employees in downtown Madison who are bargaining their first contract after unionizing in August. Over thirty people spent their Saturday morning marching up and down E Wilson St, chanting in English, Spanish, and Swahili to the beat of a big ol’ drum. Despite the gray weather, the picket line bursted with energy and joy. Even former hotel employees no longer employed at the Hilton, but who heard about the community picket, joined in solidarity with their former coworkers.
This incredible show of community began with just one hotel worker who approached Worker Justice Wisconsin to learn about her rights and how she can empower her coworkers. One became two, two became four, and little by little the Hilton employees grew their union and joined with UNITE HERE Local 1. This is the first hotel to unionize in Madison in many, many years, and their example is already having ripple effects in the industry and beyond, inspiring other workers to do the same. One of our worker members who participated, María, noted how moving it was to see American workers shouting union chants in other languages alongside immigrant workers. This is what democracy looks like.
This certainly won’t be the last community picket in solidarity with Madison hotel workers. If you want to show up for low-wage workers, join our Rapid Response Network to learn about upcoming direct actions. If you and your coworkers are looking to build power in the workplace and unionize, send an email to Robert at robert@workerjustice.org.