Hampton Inn O'Hare Disrespects Housekeepers

Management Prevents Progress During Contract Negotiations With Teamsters

To discourage representation by Teamsters Local 727, Hampton Inn O’Hare management is refusing to present economic proposals for the first contract for 16 housekeepers.

“They’re trying to intimidate the workers by stonewalling us. It’s unacceptable,” said John Coli Jr., Local 727 Vice President. “We’re going to fight for our new members until they get the contract that they deserve.”

Negotiations began in September 2009, and after several meetings over the last nine months, the contract is no closer to completion. Management denied Local 727’s request for information at the bargaining table, and threatened to replace all of the housekeepers.

During the latest negotiation session on May 5, Local 727 representatives met with management at the downtown Chicago penthouse offices of the hotel’s attorneys at Seyfarth Shaw, one of the largest and most expensive firms in the country. Amid this posh environment, hotel management’s attorney told union representatives that although the hotel has the money, it would not give raises to its housekeepers.

“The hotel’s attorney even had the audacity to compare the cut in his six-figure salary to housekeepers receiving no raises,” Coli said. “Management is flaunting its wealth while refusing to pay these workers a reasonable wage, and frankly, it’s disgusting.”

No date has been set for the next negotiation meeting.

Teamsters Local 727 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents more than 100,000 men and women throughout Illinois and Indiana.

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