CHICAGO — Workers at 25 convention and boutique hotels in downtown Chicago went on strike Friday. The workers are striking for better benefits, their union said. The workers' union contract expired Aug. 31, and Unite Here Local 1 voted to authorize a strike amid new contract negotiations.

The workers said they need better health care coverage, higher wages and more manageable workloads. Ms. Martin was protesting outside the Sheraton Grand Friday morning. She said she works long, exhausting hours as a housekeeper for little money.

"They want us to pay more for health insurance, and I don't think that's right because this is a multi-billion dollar company." Sheraton did not respond to requests for comment. Affected hotels also include the Hyatt Regency Chicago and Hilton Chicago.



"Hotels may slow down in the wintertime, but I still need my diabetes medication when I'm laid off. Nobody should lose their health benefits just because it's cold out. Full-time jobs should have year-round benefits," Q. Rivers, a house attendant at the Palmer House Hilton, said in a union news release. In a statement, Hyatt said it's already come to successful agreements with Unite Here in other areas.

"Our colleagues are the heart of our business, and we respect their right to voice their opinions as the negotiations continue," Hyatt's statement read.

Hilton also released a statement Friday: "We are negotiating with the union in good faith and are confident that we will reach an agreement that is fair to our Valued Team members and to our hotels."

Both Hilton and Hyatt said they have plans in place to continue operations.