Parking workers represented by Teamsters Local 727 began a phased strike on Tuesday, November 3, and it expanded into Wednesday, November 4. The union represents nearly 1,200 parking workers and said the walkout could eventually reach approximately 200 locations across the Chicago area.
Where is the parking strike happening?
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, picket lines began at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday at O’Hare International Airport, McCormick Place, and the Hyatt Regency.
The union has warned of potential disruptions at parking facilities serving O’Hare and Midway, major hotels, hospitals, and Bears and Bulls games. Union members also operate O’Hare parking shuttles, which could lead to longer waits between parking areas and terminals. These are potential effects, rather than confirmed delays at every location.
So far, the impact has varied. Chicago aviation officials said parking operations at O’Hare continued normally Tuesday, while McCormick Place said its garages were also operating as usual.
The Chicago Parking Association, which bargains on behalf of the operators, says garages will remain open, and individual locations have plans to minimize disruption.
Why are workers striking?
The workers’ Master Parking Agreement expired October 31. Members rejected the latest contract offer, which the union says does not keep pace with inflation and rising health care costs.
Teamsters Local 727 describes the walkout as an unfair labor practice strike, alleging bad-faith bargaining and other labor-law violations. LAZ Parking has said the Chicago Parking Association is negotiating in good faith and remains committed to collective bargaining.
Which parking operators are involved?
The union lists the following operators as covered by the agreement involved in the dispute:
- ABM
- ACE
- Advance Parking
- Imperial/Reimagine Parking
- Interpark
- LAZ Parking
- Legacy Parking
- Metro Valet
- Park Plus
- Peoples Auto Park
- Pioneer Parking
- Secure Parking
- SP Plus/Metropolis
- Vargas
- Windy City Parking Services
Inclusion on that list does not establish that every location run by an operator is currently being picketed. The union has described the strike as phased.
What should drivers do?
Allow extra time if you’re using a potentially affected parking facility, particularly if your trip depends on valet service or an airport parking shuttle. Check with your garage, hotel, or venue before leaving rather than assuming parking is unavailable: operators say garages will remain open, and some major facilities have reported normal operations.
