On October 9, 2026, employees at six downtown Chicago hotels walked off the job, beginning a strike that calls for higher wages, improved benefits and safer workloads as the city welcomes marathon visitors.
The action follows four months of contract negotiations that started after the previous agreement expired on August 31, 2026. Union leader Karen Kent is involved in the strike.
The walkout occurs during the Chicago marathon weekend, a period that brings thousands of visitors to the city.