Chicago Hotel Workers’ Strike Continues

Hotel workers from 26 hotels in downtown Chicago continued to strike against hotel giants Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt with no end in sight.

More than 6,000 cooks, bartenders, doormen, housekeepers, and other service staff have been picketing for better health insurance, higher wages, adequate staffing, and job security, as they negotiate new contracts.

Workers say they will strike for as long as it takes to reach an agreement. Union contracts with UNITE HERE Local 1 expired on Aug. 31. Each hotel group negotiates with the union separately.

Since the strike began on Sept. 7, more than two dozen hotels have felt the sting of missing workers. Guests have reportedly complained of long lines to check in and rooms not being cleaned, while some hotel restaurants have closed because of the work stoppage.

In addition, at least two conferences have relocated so as not to cross picket lines, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The strike is affecting some of the city’s upscale properties, including the Hyatt Regency Chicago, JW Marriott, Sheraton Grand, and Cambria Magnificent Mile. A complete list of the 26 hotels is available here.

In a statement, Hilton Hotels and Resorts said: “We’ve had the benefit of our managers from around the country, as well as our local Chicago hotels, take on the roles of housekeeper, server and doorman. More and more of our union team members are choosing to return to work and we welcome them to do so.

“It is still early in the negotiations process and Hilton is committed to negotiating in good faith with UNITE HERE Local 1,” the statement continued. “We look forward to an agreement that is fair to our valued team members and to our hotels.”

Meanwhile, Hyatt Hotels and Marriott International have expressed disappointment that the strike was called so early in bargaining and say an impasse has not been reached on any issue.

Hotels have assured guests that they are open for business and are staffing creatively to ensure service runs smoothly.