Some hotels ratify contracts, 17 still have workers on strike

Kimpton hotel workers ratified a contract over the weekend, according to the Chicago Tribune, shortly after Marriott International reached an agreement as well. That means 17 downtown hotels are still experiencing a strike.

Initially, employees at 26 downtown hotels represented by the UNITE HERE Local 1 Union went on strike to demand health insurance for seasonal workers who are laid off in winter.

Kimpton includes Hotel Palomar and Hotel Allegro workers. Marriott International includes Sheraton, W City Center, W Lakeshore, Westin Michigan Avenue, Westin River North, and JW Marriott. Hotel Blake, which is owned by Choice Hotels, has also reached a contract agreement.

There are still 17 hotels in the downtown area that are experiencing a strike. Find out more about why workers went on strike by taking a look at our explainer. Three parent companies own the bulk of the hotels involved in the strike. Now that Marriott has reached an agreement, that still leaves Hilton Hotels and Resorts and Hyatt Hotels at the bargaining table with the union.

“This agreement is a significant step forward for the union, the hotels and the city and I am confident it can light a path forward to ending the labor action at other hotels in the city.” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “The fact that workers and their families will now receive health-care year round will make an enormous difference in their lives, and we look forward to Marriott workers getting back to taking care of visitors to the City of Chicago.”

• Why are Chicago hotel workers on strike? [Curbed Chicago]