# Chicago Hotel Workers Vote to Authorize Strike

> Chicago hotel workers vote to authorize strike after contracts expire.
- Title: Chicago Hotel Workers Vote to Authorize Strike | Shortify
- Summary: Chicago hotel workers vote to authorize strike after contracts expire. Over 7,000 Chicago hotel workers in UNITE HERE Local 1 voted to authorize a strike as…
- Keywords: unite here local 1, chicago, hotel workers, strike, unite here, hilton, marriott, hyatt, seattle, nfl, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/la-voz/2026/09/24/trabajadores-de-hoteles-del-centro-de-chicago-votan-para-autorizar-una-huelga
- Published: 2026-09-24T15:59:44.518+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: unite here local 1, chicago, hotel workers, strike, unite here, hilton, marriott, hyatt, seattle, nfl, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Over 7,000 Chicago hotel workers in UNITE HERE Local 1 voted to authorize a strike as hotel contracts expire, citing rising costs and insufficient wages.