Until last September, the historic Congress Hotel had always paid wages and benefits in line with other prominent Chicago hotels. However, the Congress Hotel owners chose not to participate in last summer�s citywide hotel negotiations. In those negotiations, nearly 7,000 workers in 28 Chicago hotels won a big raise, narrowly avoiding a strike when Governor Ryan stepped in to mediate.

Instead of offering to raise wages that already were among the lowest in the nation, after six months of bargaining, the New York-based owners of the Congress unilaterally implemented cutbacks. As of May 14, the Congress cut workers� wages by 7%, and have effectively eliminated healthcare and pension contributions. A housekeeper at the Congress now makes only $8.21 an hour, while most unionized housekeepers in Chicago earn $10.00.

�These cuts are a slap in the face. Management is giving us no choice but to strike,� said Sharon Williams, a telephone operator at the Congress.

�It�s unfair. They�re working us harder for less pay,� added Tina Lee, a cashier. �We can�t live on what they�re offering. We have to fight for something better.�

�The company says they aren�t making enough money to offer raises,� said Mario Moreno, a laundry attendant. �We think they�re lying. If all the other hotels can do it, so can they.�

The Congress Hotel is owned by a limited partnership controlled by businessman Albert Nasser, who maintains residences in New York and Switzerland. Nasser, who does not appear to own any other hotels, is Chairman and CEO of Gelmart Industries, Inc., which manufacturers garments in the Philippines.

�This will be the first strike at a Chicago hotel in anyone�s memory, and it�s a shame that the Congress apparently thinks so little of Chicago. The Congress Hotel has shown itself to be a renegade employer, and their actions will give a black eye to the city's image as a hospitality destination,� said HERE Local 1 President Henry Tamarin.