Chicago’s last major hotel strike took place in 2018. Tierney for Adobe Stock
In Chicago, 85 percent of Unite Here Local 1 union members have voted to authorize a strike, setting the stage for what could become the largest hotel strike in the city's history.
Contracts covering the workers expired in August, and employees at properties operated by Marriott International, Hyatt and Hilton, among others, now are seeking higher wages to cover rising costs, as well as improved health-care and pension benefits, stronger civil-rights protections, and safer workloads.
Workers cite mounting financial pressures
The demands come as many hospitality workers say they are struggling financially, despite putting in long hours. According to a recent Unite Here Local 1 survey, nearly one-third of respondents said their pay was not sufficient enough to cover rent or mortgage payments at some point during the past year, while nearly 30 percent reported not having enough money to pay utility bills.
“Tourism in Chicago is booming, all while inflation is increasing, and it’s affecting our hotel workers across the industry,” said Karen Kent, president of Unite Here Local 1, in a statement. “They feel the weight anytime they go to the supermarket to buy food, or when they come home from work and are too tired to spend time with their families. Workers are ready to strike because they work too hard to live like this.”
A strike could begin at any time, putting added pressure on both sides to reach an agreement ahead of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which takes place Oct. 11.
“Chicago’s hotel industry supports tens of thousands of jobs, welcomes millions of visitors each year, serves as an important economic driver for the city and state, and generates tax revenue that saves each Chicago household thousands of dollars,” said Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, in a statement. “We are hopeful hotel operators and union representatives can reach a fair and mutually acceptable resolution that recognizes the important contributions of hotel employees, while acknowledging the significant financial and operational pressures facing Chicago hotels. In the meantime, the impacted hotels have robust contingency plans in place, and remain open for business and ready to welcome guests with open arms.”
Chicago’s last big strike
For the uninitiated, Chicago’s last major hotel strike took place in 2018, when workers at 26 hotels walked off the job simultaneously. The strike ultimately resulted in workers securing year-round health coverage for themselves and their families, but the disruption was significant. Hotel guests reported dirty rooms and long check-in lines, while locals contended with noise from around-the-clock picket lines. Agreements were reached within a month.
What meeting planners should know
For now, Unite Here is warning that meetings and events could be affected if workers strike. According to the union, some of the groups that are booked at potentially impacted hotels have already opted to cancel or reschedule their events.
A list of affected properties, along with their contract-expiration dates, can be found here.