Chicago hotel workers vote to strike

Over 7,000 Chicago hotel workers in UNITE HERE Local 1 voted to authorize a strike after their contracts expired on August 31.

“El turismo en Chicago está en auge, mientras la inflación sigue aumentando, y eso está afectando a nuestros trabajadores hoteleros en toda la industria”

Strike authorization vote

Workers voted to authorize a strike on September 22, 2026, to receive strike benefits at the University East-West in the Loop.

Sindical contract expiration

The current contracts with 46 Chicago hotels expired on August 31, and negotiations have continued since June.

Sindical strike benefits

Over 85% of workers voted to strike in the first round of voting, with the union representing cleaners, cooks, dishwashers, receptionists, waiters, and food service workers.

Financial strain on workers

Approximately one-third of workers cannot cover rent or mortgage, while two-thirds saw reduced hours during low activity periods.

Short-term financial relief

One in four workers turned to short-term loans to cover expenses, as hotel contracts expire and inflation rises.

Hotel industry profits

Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton returned $22.3 billion to shareholders in the last three years, according to the union.

Strike registration

Workers registered for strike benefits at the University East-West in the Loop on September 22, 2026.

Worker testimonies

Roushouda Williams, a Hilton bartender with 26 years of service, said she hopes to avoid a strike but wants to discuss needs in good faith.

“Creo que esa siempre es la esperanza. Queremos hablar de nuestras necesidades en buena fe”

Work demands

Cassandra Pope, a Hilton housekeeper, said work demands have become too much, and she voted to strike after being pushed too hard.

“Voté sí a la huelga porque ya he tenido suficiente. Exigen y exigen, siempre nos apuran en las habitaciones, sin reconocer que somos seres humanos”

Financial challenges

Patricia Davila Garcia, a Westin River North housekeeper, said hotels keep all profits without returning their share, making Chicago living costs too high.

“Estas empresas se quedan con todas las ganancias y no nos devuelven nuestra parte. Vivir en Chicago se está volviendo demasiado caro”

Previous strike

The last unionized hotel workers' strike in Chicago in 2018 lasted about a month.

Hotel company response

Hyatt's labor relations head said they offer competitive wages and benefits and have a contingency plan for potential strike disruptions.

“Nuestros colegas son el corazón de nuestro negocio, y Hyatt tiene una larga historia de cooperación con los sindicatos que representan a nuestros empleados, incluido UNITE HERE Local 1”

Hotel industry response

Hilton and Marriott representatives did not respond to requests for comment on the strike.