Universal Studios Hollywood food-service workers describe skipping meals, struggling with rent and losing work hours as their union continues contract talks with the park.
The Hollywood Reporter interviewed food-service workers and reviewed an internal survey conducted by UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents about 1,700 food-cart, bakery, restaurant and warehouse employees at the park.
The union survey covered 828 respondents
More than 60% of respondents said they had to choose among food, medication and housing during the previous year. Nearly 53% said they had gone without eating while hungry because they could not afford food, and nearly 26% reported receiving food assistance.
The union conducted the survey and did not provide its methodology to The Hollywood Reporter. The results describe the 828 members who responded and should not be treated as a measure of every Universal Studios Hollywood employee.
Workers tied the strain to reduced hours
Food-stand attendant Chris Lillian told the publication his average schedule fell from about 40 hours a week last year to roughly 32 this year. Heather Saxxon, another food-stand attendant, said she drives for Lyft and the student transportation service HopSkipDrive to supplement her park wages.
The union is seeking higher wages and scheduling changes. Members voted by more than 98% in September to authorize a strike, but an authorization vote does not start a strike.
Bargaining remains active
A Universal spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter that the company remains engaged in collective bargaining and is working in good faith toward an agreement. The spokesperson said Universal’s proposals build on wage increases in the union’s 2023 agreement.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter’s worker interviews, survey reporting and Universal response, and UNITE HERE Local 11’s strike-authorization announcement.