From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 20s
Chicago hotel workers vote to strike
Over 7,000 Chicago hotel workers vote to strike after contracts expire.
In brief
Over 7,000 Chicago hotel workers vote to strike after contracts expire. Chicago hotel workers voted to authorize a strike as contracts with 46 hotels expired. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Strike vote
Over 7,000 downtown Chicago hotel workers voted to authorize a strike.
“Tourism in Chicago is booming, all while inflation is increasing, and it’s affecting our hotel workers across the industry”
Contract expiration
Hotel contracts with 46 Chicago hotels expired August 31.
“Contracts with 46 Chicago hotels expired Aug. 31”
Strike authorization
Unite Here Local 1 members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.
“More than 85% of workers voted to go on strike in the first wave of voting”
Union statement
Karen Kent, president of Unite Here Local 1, said workers feel the weight of inflation.
“Tourism in Chicago is booming, all while inflation is increasing, and it’s affecting our hotel workers across the industry”
Worker impact
About a third of workers can’t cover rent or mortgage, two-thirds had hours cut.
“Based on a survey of its members, the union said about a third can’t cover rent or mortgage, while two-thirds had their hours cut during the slow period”
Financial disparity
Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton returned $22.3 billion to shareholders over three years.
“According to Local 1, hotel operators Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton returned $22.3 billion to shareholders over the last three years”
Strike benefits
Union members signed up for strike benefits at East-West University in the Loop.
“Following a successful strike authorization vote, UNITE HERE Local 1 hotel workers sign up for strike benefits at East-West University in the Loop on Tuesday”
Worker concerns
Cassandra Pope, a room attendant, said job demands are becoming too much.
“I voted yes to strike because I’ve had enough. They demand and demand, always rushing us in the rooms, without acknowledging that we are human beings”
Another worker
Patricia Davila Garcia, a Westin River North room attendant, said living costs are too high.
“These companies make all the profit and don’t give us back our share. Living is becoming so expensive in Chicago”
Past strike
The last strike by Chicago hotel workers lasted about a month in 2018.
“The last strike by unionized hotel workers in Chicago, in 2018, lasted about a month”
Hotel response
Hyatt offered competitive wages and benefits during negotiations.
“Our colleagues are the heart of our business, and Hyatt has a long history of cooperation with the unions that represent our employees, including UNITE HERE Local 1”
Negotiations ongoing
UNITE HERE Local 1 has been negotiating with hotel groups since June.
“The union has been negotiating since June with representatives of 46 hotels”
The big picture
Chicago hotel workers voted to authorize a strike as contracts with 46 hotels expired.
