Nearly 1,200 parking workers go on strike in Chicagoland

CHICAGO - Nearly 1,200 union parking workers launched a strike across the Chicago area Tuesday morning, which could cause potential disruptions at airports, hospitals and other businesses.

Chicago parking workers go on strike 

The backstory:

The workers are part of Teamsters Local 727, a labor union that represents approximately 10,000 workers across the region. 

Members launched the walkout after voting down a contract offer from the Chicago Parking Association, which represents 15 commercial parking operators, according to a teamsters’ press release. 

In response, the Chicago Parking Association called its proposal one of the most generous in the nation's parking industry.

The union has also accused the association of bad-faith bargaining, unlawful surveillance, retaliation and "unilateral changes to workplace conditions."

What they're saying:

"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," a Teamsters Local 727 spokesperson said in a press release.

Disruptions possible at several parking locations

Why you should care:

With so many workers walking off the job, the strike could cause disruptions across the region. The operators affected by the walkout manage several commercial garages, surface lots and valet services at airports, hospitals and downtown businesses. They include: 

• ABM – airports (O'Hare and Midway), transit hubs and hospitals (including Northwestern)
• ACE – event parking
• Advance Parking – commuter garages and lots
• Imperial / Reimagine Parking – hotels and venues
• Interpark – downtown garages and office lots
• LAZ Parking – hospitals (including Rush) and city decks
• Legacy Parking – downtown office garages
• Metro Valet – restaurant and hospitality valet
• Park Plus – commercial lots and valet stands
• Peoples Auto Park – neighborhood garages and lots
• Pioneer Parking – local garages and surface lots
• Secure Parking – downtown commuter garages
• SP Plus / Metropolis – airports (O'Hare and Midway), office towers and hospitals (including Lurie/Northwestern)
• Vargas – local parking and valet
• Windy City Parking Services – hotels and event valet

The rejected compensation plan 

The other side:

Despite the backlash from union members, the Chicago Parking Association called its rejected contract proposal "one of the most generous compensation packages in the parking industry nationwide." 

The association said it proposed a 27% increase to wages and benefits over the term of a new, five-year agreement that would deliver a wage increase of more than 7% in the first year alone. 

According to the association, the current package includes 100% employer-paid health insurance, pension and paid time off benefits. The rejected proposal included more paid time off, as well. However, the association didn’t specify current wages, paid time off amounts or what the new retiree healthcare benefit entails. 

What they're saying:

"We remain committed to negotiating in good faith and reaching a fair agreement that benefits everyone involved while avoiding unnecessary disruptions for Chicagoland commuters," a Chicago Parking Association representative said in a statement. 

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