CHICAGO (WLS) — Workers at six Chicago hotels went on strike Friday morning.
The strike affects workers at the Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago, Palmer House, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Westin Chicago River North and Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago.
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Hospitality workers have walked off the job, just as the Chicago Marathon is about to begin after negotiations failed to meet workers’ demands.
The broader contract fight involves more than 7,000 hotel workers at 46 hotels, setting the stage for what could become the largest hotel worker strike in Chicago history.
Employees on strike include room attendants, cooks, dishwashers, bellboys, front desk attendants, servers and bartenders.
They are fighting for better wages, health benefits, better retirement, civil rights protections and safer workloads.
Contracts with major hotels like Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt expired on August 31.
Workers said that while the hospitality industry typically sees success during marathon weekends, that success hasn’t translated into financial security for the people who clean rooms, prepare meals and greet guests.
According to a 2025 UNITE HERE Local 1 survey, 32% of workers had no money to pay their rent or mortgage the previous year, 29% were unable to pay their utility bills, and two-thirds had their hours cut during the slow season.
One in four people had taken out a payday or other short-term loan.
“We are still far from an agreement and workers are in dire straits,” said Karen Kent, president of Unite Here Local 1. “This is truly a time where people are looking for increased pay, increased pensions and meaningful job protection.
“With the cost of living, the rent, the food gas… you all have to come and sign the contract, just sign the contract, it’s not that hard,” said Sheraton employee Martese Kennedy.
Meanwhile, Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton, according to the union, returned $22.3 billion to shareholders over three years.
The union said it could call a strike at other hotels at any time.
The last major strike by hotel workers in Chicago affected 26 hotels. This guarantees year-round health coverage for workers and their families.
Marriott said in a statement: “Our hotels have well-established protocols in place to operate and care for guests in the event of a staff impact, and we look forward to welcoming our guests to Chicago this weekend. We remain available to meet with the local union negotiating committee to reach a fair agreement for all parties.
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