Chicago Hotel Workers Launch Strike as Marathon Weekend Begins

Workers from six hotels in Chicago initiated a strike Friday. This move coincides with the city’s marathon weekend. The workers’ union, Unite Here Local 1, confirmed the walkout. The union represents various hotel staff including room attendants, dishwashers, front desk agents, and servers.

Contracts for about 7,000 workers in numerous hotels expired on August 31, according to the union. Last month, hotel workers voted in favor of authorizing strikes. Among those striking outside the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk were Eman Almoukdad, Juan Rivera, and Diana Almazan, as seen in the Chicago Tribune photograph dated October 9, 2026 by Antonio Perez.

The union stated that workers at the following hotels are part of the strike: Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago, Palmer House, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, The Westin Chicago River North, and The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago.

Karen Kent, the union’s president, commented, “As Chicago welcomes marathon runners and visitors from around the world, hotel workers are being pushed to the breaking point while greedy hotel honchos cash in.” She emphasized that the workers who keep the industry operational are facing hardships in meeting basic needs like rent and food.

Negotiations for the union’s contracts take place separately with different employers. Unite Here indicated potential for extending strikes to other hotels and noted no contracts have been finalized with any employers.

Before the strike announcement, the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association expressed concerns. The group highlighted the negative impact a work stoppage could have on employees, visitors, hotels, and the city. They assured that hotels have implemented “robust contingency plans.” The last major hotel strike in Chicago happened in 2018, affecting operations at over twenty hotels.

This situation is unfolding and further developments are expected.