Union announces resolution to long-running labor dispute at Sheraton Anchorage

A decade-long labor dispute at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa has come to an end, UNITE HERE Local 878 announced on Wednesday.

Sheraton workers voted 65-2 in favor of the new contract offered by the Sheraton, including “wage increases for the next three years, improvements to the health care plan and bonuses,” according to the announcement.

The employees voted in 2009 to ask the public not to “eat, meet or sleep” at the hotel after contract negotiations broke down.

The two sides released statements through the news release praising the resolution:

“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.”

The group announced a media availability for Thursday where a “Boycott Sheraton” sign that was hung at the Carpenter’s Hall across the street.

The dispute over the Sheraton Anchorage is separate from the ongoing labor dispute at the Anchorage Hilton, where workers also voted to place a boycott on the hotel in 2009.