Friday, July 30, 2010

Chicago Hyatt hotel union workers OK strike

Chicago area Hyatt hotel union workers Thursday have authorized a strike.


The action, which does not mean there will be a strike, allows the workers' bargaining unit to call one if necessary.

The employees belong to Unite Here Local 1 and work at four area Hyatts -- the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Park Hyatt, Hyatt McCormick Place, and Hyatt O'Hare.

Last week, union members sat in the street outside the Hyatt Regency Chicago as part of a 15-city demonstration against the hotel chain to protest lack of progress with a new contract. About 25 people were arrested during the protest, according to the union, as about 225 demonstrators joined about 500 other demonstrators. A spokesperson said workers have been hit with reduced hours and excessive injury rates -- and that Hyatt wants to cut benefits.

Hyatt workers and 6,500 other hotel workers in downtown Chicago have been in citywide contract negotiations since August of 2009, according to the union.

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