Chicago Hotel Workers Authorize Strike Across 46 Properties

Members of Unite Here Local 1 voted on September 21 to authorize a strike across 46 downtown Chicago hotels, including properties owned by Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott. Approximately 85% of participating workers approved the measure following the expiration of labor contracts on August 31 and subsequent failed negotiations.

More than 7,000 employees, including housekeepers, cooks, and front-desk agents, are seeking higher wages, improved health and pension benefits, manageable workloads, and protections for immigrant staff. Union President Karen Kent stated that some workers have relied on food banks and payday loans to cover basic living expenses. The union also highlighted that Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott returned $22.3 billion to shareholders over the last three years.

Union leadership has kept the specific timing and locations of potential walkouts secret for strategic reasons, though they warned a strike could occur at any time. If all affected workers strike simultaneously, it would be the largest hotel strike in the history of the city.

The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association expressed concern regarding the potential impact on the city's convention season in October and November. Michael Jacobson, the association's president and CEO, stated that impacted hotels have contingency plans in place and remain open for business.