Footage of hotel strikes in San Francisco in the early ‘80s. At the time, workers were trying to increase their wages under new contracts. 

Person with a purse holds the sign “HOLIDAY INN WORKERS SUPPORT LOCAL 2.” The person glares briefly at the camera.

On her left shoulder, a woman holds the sign “Hotel & Restaurant Employees & Bartenders Union, Local 2 of San Francisco ON STRIKE AT RAMADA INN.”

Hilton Hotel employees strike at the entrance of the Hilton, holding signs and pacing in a circle. They look at the camera, which is across the street.

Fairmont Hotel employees strike in front of the Fairmont Hotel on Mason Street. Four San Francisco Police officers stand near the hotel’s entrance, chatting, smiling, and looking around as if they were off from work. Close-up shot of the sign “NO PARKING ANY TIME, TOUR BUSES LOAD HERE, BY ORDER OF S.F.P.D.”

Low-angle shot of the signs “CLIFT HOTEL” and “KBHK TV.”  

Strikers picket in front of the Sir Francis Drake, a hotel on Powell Street. Part of the hotel’s sign is burned, and the business to the right of the hotel has a burned facade, too.

Wide shot of the Hilton Hotel entrance, with strikers pacing in a circle with signs.