The Houston City Council convened on June 24 and 25, 2025, to address pressing issues affecting workers in the city, particularly those in the hospitality and service sectors. The meeting featured testimonies from various employees who highlighted their struggles with low wages and poor working conditions.

The session began with workers from NRG Stadium and the Houston International Airport sharing their experiences. Claudia Barrientos, a food attendant, expressed her inability to provide a dignified life for her children due to stagnant wages, which have not kept pace with rising costs. She emphasized the disparity in pay among workers, noting that those with connections to management often earn more than their peers.

Ruby Garza, a long-time beer vendor at NRG Stadium, echoed similar sentiments, stating that her earnings of less than $11 an hour make it difficult to meet basic needs. She called for a living wage and the right to organize a union, emphasizing the need for respect and fair treatment for all workers.

The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by workers at the Marriott Marquis and Hilton Americas. Jordan Ordaneta, a housekeeper, shared that her $16.50 hourly wage is insufficient to support her family and meet her financial obligations. Other speakers, including Yvonne Saldana and Kia Howard, highlighted the struggles of balancing multiple jobs and the stress of financial instability.

Council members engaged with the workers, seeking to understand the complexities of their situations. They discussed the role of contractors like OTG at the airport, which has been accused of circumventing living wage requirements by claiming subcontractor status. This has led to significant wage disparities among workers performing similar jobs across different concessionaires.

The council acknowledged the need for a fair process for workers to organize and negotiate better wages. Council members expressed their commitment to addressing these issues and exploring potential modifications to existing executive orders to ensure that all workers receive a livable wage.

As the meeting concluded, the collective voices of the workers underscored the urgent need for systemic change in Houston's labor landscape, advocating for dignity, respect, and fair compensation in the face of rising living costs. The council's next steps will involve further discussions and potential actions to support these workers in their fight for better wages and working conditions.