Compass Levy Concessions Workers at Wrigley Field Authorize Strike

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 21

 

CONTACT

Sarah Lyons, [email protected], 312-385-0603

 

*B-ROLL and PHOTOS of today’s strike vote and last month’s informational picketing outside Wrigley Field available at www.unitehere1.org/Media*

 

Compass Levy Concessions Workers at Wrigley Field Authorize Strike

Workers seek fair contract, equal treatment to workers at Sox Park and United Center

 

CHICAGO – Today, concessions workers at Wrigley Field who are employed by Levy Restaurants, a subsidiary of Compass Group, voted to authorize a strike. The strike was authorized with an overwhelming majority voting in favor. A strike could be called at any moment.

Most workers employed by Cubs’ concessionaire Compass Levy make as little as $15.80 per hour. Workers have been without a contract for nearly three years since the contract expired on October 31, 2020. Compass Levy workers at Wrigley Field are seeking a $20 per hour minimum, expanded health care coverage and a pension.

“I voted yes to strike because when the season ends, I lose my health insurance. I have to pay out of pocket for my blood pressure medicine. It’s very stressful. I want to stay healthy so I can be there for my two children,” said Carlos Aguirre, a suite runner for Compass Levy at Wrigley Field who has worked there for 27 seasons.

“My children look to me to set the standard. The standard should not be $15.80 per hour or having to hold two jobs but still struggle. Working two jobs means my two children are usually already asleep by the time I get home from work. I miss getting to read a book with them before bedtime. I don’t want to strike but I will because my children and I deserve better,” said Sarah Williams who has worked for two seasons for Compass Levy at Wrigley Field as a stand lead.

Wrigley Field is the only Chicago stadium with workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 1 whose concessionaire has not settled a contract with its workers. Earlier this year, White Sox’s concessionaire Delaware North settled a contract that provides workers at Guaranteed Rate Field with the same standards that Compass Levy workers at Wrigley Field are demanding. During the Crosstown Classic last month, South Side concessions workers protested Compass Levy at Wrigley Field to show solidarity with their North Side counterparts.

The strike vote by Compass Levy workers at Wrigley Field comes eight months after Compass Levy workers at the United Center authorized a strike. Following a one-day strike in March 2023, Compass Levy workers at the United Center won a new contract with a $20 per hour minimum, expanded health care coverage and a pension, the same standards that concessions workers at Wrigley Field are seeking.

“Workers of Compass Levy at Wrigley Field welcome visitors to one of the most iconic venues in Chicago and serve baseball fans with dedication. They are asking for nothing more than to be treated equally to stadium workers at the United Center and Sox Park so they can take care of their families and live with dignity. Concessions workers at Wrigley Field are tired of waiting for Compass Levy to step up to the plate and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract,” said Karen Kent, President of UNITE HERE Local 1.

Compass Group is the world’s largest food and support services company.[1] Its subsidiary, Levy Restaurants, employs over 700 bartenders, cashiers, cooks, dishwashers, suite runners and warehouse workers at Wrigley Field, an overwhelming majority of whom are workers of color. According to Compass Group’s 2022 Annual Report, the company had an operating profit of $1.92 billion in 2022, an increase of 175% from 2021[2]. By May 2023, Compass Group reported a half year operating profit of $1.25 billion, which exceeded the company’s 2019 half year operating profit.[3]

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UNITE HERE Local 1 is a labor union representing hospitality workers in the Chicago area that work in hotels, restaurants, casinos, universities, stadiums, sports arenas, convention centers and airports.

[1]“Compass Group Plc Is Once Again A Fortune World’s Most Admired Company In 2023.” Compass Usa.Com, Compass Group , 11 Apr. 2023, www.compass-usa.com/compass-group-plc-is-once-again-a-fortune-worlds-most-admired-company-in-2023/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2023.

 

[2] Compass Groups 2022 Annual Report states on page 14 ‘Operating profit of £1,500 million, an increase of 175%’, and on page 200 states that the ‘AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE FOR THE YEAR 2022’ for USD was 1.28. https://www.compass-group.com/content/dam/compass-group/corporate/oar-2022/2022-annual-report-compass-group.pdf . Accessed 20 Sept. 2023.

 

[3] Compass Group 2023 Half Year Results states on page 10, ‘Operating profit 1,050, HY23 operating profit now higher than HY19’, and states on page 43 that the Exchange Rate for used in Consolidation of Income Statement was 1.19 USD https://www.compass-group.com/content/dam/compass-group/corporate/Investors/Results-presentations/2023/COMPASS_HY23%20FINAL.pdf.downloadasset.pdf . Accessed 20 Sept. 2023.

Illegal lock out at the Kinzie Hotel ends, workers reinstated

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 8

CONTACT
Sarah Lyons, [email protected], 312-385-0603

Illegal lock out at the Kinzie Hotel ends, workers reinstated

Chicago – After a bargaining session between UNITE HERE Local 1 and the Kinzie Hotel on Thursday, September 7, the illegal lock out has ended. The parties worked through the night to reach a resolution whereby the Kinzie Hotel will reinstate every locked out worker.

The locked out workers return to work starting Friday, September 8, for their usual shifts.

“I’m a single mom of three. My middle daughter has special needs. My job is how I take care of my family and where I find peace in my stressful life. I am so relieved to be going back to work,” said Aide Herrera, a room attendant who has worked at the Kinzie Hotel for 18 years.

“I’m grateful to everyone who stood with us during this lock out. Today we return to work with justice being served. My colleagues and I are eager to return to the work that we love so much,” said Jose Sanchez who has worked as a houseperson at the Kinzie Hotel for 16 years.

In the bargaining session, the parties also finalized the outstanding contract issues and came to a tentative agreement, pending union member ratification. If ratified, the new contract at the Kinzie Hotel will be on par with the contracts ratified at thirty-one other Chicago hotels, providing a $25 per hour minimum for non-tipped workers, preserving workers’ excellent healthcare coverage, and strengthening their pensions. The ratification vote will take place on Sunday, September 10.

“I am so proud of our union members at the Kinzie hotel who were unwavering in their commitment to their union and to one another. They showed grace and grit every day they were locked out. To the broader labor community and allies who answered the call to support the locked out Kinzie workers, I have no doubt your solidarity brought this victory home,” said Karen Kent, President of UNITE HERE Local 1.

On Labor Day, just days after the illegal lock out began on September 2, labor leaders, elected officials and community supporters rallied with Kinzie hotel workers to demand their reinstatement. Leaders who spoke at the rally included Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, Don Villar, Secretary-Treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor, Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO, Fr. Clete Kiley, Chaplain for the Chicago Federation of Labor, Greg Kelley, President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana Missouri & Kansas (HCIIMK) & the SEIU Illinois State Council, Corliss King, 2nd Vice President of TWU Local 556- the Union of Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, William Niesman, Business Manager, IBEW / Local 9, Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez (22nd Ward), Illinois State Senator Javier L. Cervantes (1st District), and Roushaunda Williams, Vice President Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board.

More Chicago hotels join Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott properties in settling with hotel workers before contract expiration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

 

CONTACT

Sarah Lyons, [email protected], 312-385-0603

 

More Chicago hotels join Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott properties in settling with hotel workers before contract expiration

Six additional hotels avoid labor disruptions, workers’ wages rise to $25 per hour

Chicago – Today, hotel workers at the Fairmont Chicago, Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Voco/Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, Royal Sonesta Chicago River North, and the Allegro Royal Sonesta approved a new contract ahead of the August 31st deadline. This comes on the heels of last week’s historic settlement between hotel workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 1 and Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt.

Like the contract approved for Chicago’s three biggest hotel chains, the contract ratified today requires that hotels clean guest rooms every day, provides a $25 per hour minimum for non-tipped workers, preserves workers’ excellent healthcare coverage, and strengthens their pension.

“It feels good to be treated equally to the workers of Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt. We all work hard and deserve to be able to catch up. With this raise, I’m looking forward to being able to buy a new washer and dryer for my home,” said Nakita Jones, a cook at the Fairmont Chicago and resident of Grand Crossing.

“My daughter is a college sophomore and is studying aerospace engineering. Even with her scholarship, it is expensive. The raise will mean I can put more toward her tuition and the textbooks she needs,” said Elizabeth Moreno who works as a room attendant at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza and lives in Hermosa.

Chicago hotel workers at Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt properties reach historic deal ahead of 2023 contract expiration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 17, 2023

 

CONTACT

Sarah Lyons, [email protected], 312-385-0603

 

Chicago hotel workers at Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt properties reach historic deal ahead of 2023 contract expiration

Agreement averts labor disruptions at major downtown hotels, lifts hourly wage to $25

 

Chicago – Chicago hotel workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 1 at Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt-operated properties have ratified a new contract. The announcement comes two weeks ahead of the August 31st contract expiration date.

While Illinois hotels have seen record-breaking revenue this year, Chicago hotel workers who were hit hard by the pandemic have been struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.

The new three-year agreement requires that hotels clean guest rooms every day, provides a $25 per hour minimum for non-tipped workers, preserves workers’ excellent healthcare coverage, and strengthens their pension.

“The raise to $25 per hour means I can quit my part time job and spend more time with my wife who is suffering from long COVID. Now, I’ll be able to tell her things are going to be okay and really mean it,” said Luis Cuevas, a kitchen steward at the W City Center who lives in Rogers Park.

“Going back to daily room cleaning means I’ll have energy to play with my grandkids when I get home from work.  When rooms aren’t cleaned every day, the work is much harder. Cleaning rooms every day is good for room attendants and for the guests,” said Shameeka Torry, a room attendant at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place who lives in Englewood.

“Since my wife’s brain surgery, she relies on daily medication to stay alive. It would be impossible to pay for it out of pocket. Maintaining our great health insurance means my wife will continue to get the care she needs,” explained Jesus Morales, a banquet server at The Drake Hotel and resident of Garfield Ridge.

“Amid this hot labor summer, it is great to see hotel workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 1 come to an agreement with the three biggest hotel chains in Chicago.  In contrast to 2018, we’re seeing this come before contract expiration, ensuring labor peace at major downtown hotels. The Chicago Federation of Labor applauds all the parties for reaching an agreement that allows hotel workers to catch up and keeps our city moving forward,” said Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor.

“This agreement will allow us to bring our collective focus back to showing visitors to Chicago true hospitality, starting with the return of daily room cleaning. It is a path forward which begins our world class city’s return to first class guest service and takes care of the workers who are the heart and soul of the Chicago hospitality experience,” stated Karen Kent, President of UNITE HERE Local 1.

During the last round of contract negotiations in 2018, thousands of Chicago hotel workers walked out on strike in the broadest hotel work stoppage in the city’s history. The 2023 agreement covers the majority of Chicago hotel workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 1 with contracts expiring this year, averting labor disruptions at major convention hotels throughout the city.