Workers at nearly 50 downtown Chicago hotels have authorized strike votes amid ongoing contract negotiations, according to Unite Here Local 1, the union representing approximately 7,000 hotel employees. The contracts at 46 hotels covering roles such as room attendants, cooks, dishwashers, front desk agents, and food service workers expired on August 31.

On Monday, the union announced that workers had voted by an 85% margin in favor of authorizing strikes. Although the union did not disclose the exact number of hotels where strike authorization was approved, it noted that an “overwhelming majority” of members across the impacted properties participated in the vote. While no strikes had commenced as of Monday morning, the contracts are negotiated separately with each hotel employer, allowing for the possibility that walkouts could occur at some locations but not others, or at staggered intervals.

This move follows a significant 2018 strike involving unionized hotel workers across more than two dozen Chicago hotels, where a 97% vote led to walkouts that lasted several weeks. The resulting agreements with major hotel groups, including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, secured year-round health insurance coverage for workers.

Michael Jacobson, president of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, expressed concern about the potential disruption a strike could cause. In a statement, he emphasized the negative impact a work stoppage would have on employees, visitors, hotels, and the broader city economy. Jacobson indicated that hotel operators hope to reach a “fair and mutually acceptable resolution” that balances recognition of workers’ contributions with the financial and operational challenges facing Chicago’s hotel industry. He also noted that affected hotels have developed contingency plans to address potential work disruptions.

The union cited a survey conducted last year that indicated strong support among hotel workers for striking, reflecting ongoing tensions in contract negotiations. As labor talks continue, both sides appear poised for further developments that could affect hospitality operations in Chicago in the near term.