October 11, 2026 — Update to our October 10 story. The strike at six downtown Chicago hotels continued through a second day on Saturday, October 10, with no negotiations reported as scheduled. Workers told NBC Chicago that some guests have checked out because of the walkout.
UNITE HERE Local 1 members walked out on Friday, October 9, at hotels flying Marriott, Hilton and Millennium flags. The Chicago Marathon was run this morning, Sunday, October 11. No report found today describes a settlement or any change to the list of struck hotels.
What changed since yesterday
- Second day on the picket line. NBC Chicago’s Saturday night report says workers plan to stay out until an agreement is reached. No end date has been set.
- First reports of guest impact. A striking worker told NBC Chicago that managers were covering shifts and that some guests had left.
- Marriott says it will meet. The company told NBC Chicago it has protocols for staffing gaps this weekend and remains available to meet with the union. Hilton, Hyatt and Millennium did not respond to the station.
- No talks on the calendar. None of the reports mention a scheduled bargaining session.
- The union’s case. Local 1 president Karen Kent said 32% of surveyed workers do not earn enough to cover rent or a mortgage.
Hotels on strike
| Hotel | Brand family |
|---|---|
| Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel | Hilton |
| Waldorf Astoria Chicago | Hilton |
| Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk | Marriott |
| The Westin Chicago River North | Marriott |
| The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago | Marriott |
| Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago | Millennium |
The six are part of a wider dispute. FOX 32 Chicago reports the walkout could spread to 46 hotels and more than 7,000 workers, which would make it the largest hotel strike in the city’s history. The union says it can add hotels at any time.
What it means for airline travelers
- The hotels are open, with thinner staffing. Managers are filling in for housekeeping, kitchen and front-of-house jobs. Expect slower service and possible cuts to restaurant and bar hours.
- Marathon checkout is today. Downtown rooms should loosen from Monday, October 12, as race visitors leave, which gives standby travelers more alternatives than they had over the weekend.
- Call before you arrive. If you hold a booking at one of the six, ask the hotel what is operating before you come in from O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW). No source reports a special cancellation waiver.
- Book refundable for the coming weeks. Another 40 hotels are covered by the same expired contracts and could be struck without notice.
- Travel-industry rates. None of the sources say whether industry or airline-employee rates are affected.
Sources
- NBC Chicago — Chicago hotel workers strike for second day as fight continues for new contract
- FOX 32 Chicago — Chicago hotel workers strike during marathon weekend
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