Approximately 650 hotel workers and members of Unite Here Local 2 walked off the job at the Westin St. Francis in Union Square at 4 a.m. today, union leaders said.
Similar strikes occurred earlier this month at the city's Grand Hyatt and Palace hotels. Union leaders said workers are concerned with reductions in health and retirement benefits being asked for by hotel management.
The strike is planned to last until the first shift on Saturday morning.