By ASN News Editorial Desk
NEWS FLASH
CHICAGO (CHICAGO URBAN DAILY)— They are on the picket line now. Nearly 1,200 Chicago parking workers launched an unfair labor practice strike today after overwhelmingly rejecting the companies’ final contract offer.
Teamsters Local 727 announced the walkout Tuesday morning, saying members voted down what the employers called their “last, best, and final” offer. The strike covers parking workers across Chicagoland — the attendants and porters who staff garages at O’Hare and Midway airports, major hotels and hospitals, and sports venues.
“These companies broke the law and forced our members onto the strike line,” said John T. Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “Parking workers keep Chicagoland moving every day, but employers chose delay tactics, labor law violations, and disrespect instead of bargaining a fair contract. Our members are united and ready to stay in this fight for as long as it takes.”
The union says it has filed or is preparing unfair labor practice charges alleging refusal to bargain, failure to provide information, unilateral changes to working conditions, retaliation, and unlawful surveillance. The operators bargain as a group through the Chicago Parking Association under the Master Parking Agreement, which expired October 31.
The strike could include workers at SP Plus/Metropolis, LAZ Parking, Interpark, ABM, Imperial/Reimagine Parking, Legacy Parking, ACE, Peoples Auto Park, Advance Parking, Metro Valet, Park Plus, Pioneer Parking, Vargas, Secure Parking, and Windy City Parking Services.
“Our work matters to the people who live, work, and travel throughout Chicago,” said Carolyn German, a steward with Teamsters Local 727. “We’re on strike because these companies refuse to follow the law and negotiate fairly.”
If you drive, fly, or park at a hospital or hotel today, plan for delays — and expect picket lines at garages across the city.
Stay tuned to Chicago Urban Daily as the strike develops.
Reported by Chicago Urban Daily News. Visit chicagourbandailynews.com for updates.
