Chicago Parking Workers Authorize a Strike as Their Contract Expires Saturday
Nearly 1,200 Teamsters Local 727 parking workers across Chicagoland voted to authorize an unfair labor practice strike as the Master Parking Agreement expired Saturday, October 31. NBC Chicago reported more than 98% voted to authorize, a walkout could start as soon as Sunday, and members will vote Monday on a final offer.
The contract covering nearly 1,200 parking workers across Chicagoland expired Saturday with a strike now authorized. Teamsters Local 727 members working for parking operators throughout the region voted to authorize an unfair labor practice strike, according to the union, as negotiations continued ahead of the October 31 expiration of the Master Parking Agreement.
The agreement covers workers at operators including SP Plus/Metropolis, LAZ Parking, Interpark and ABM, which negotiate as a group through the Chicago Parking Association, according to the union. Local 727 said it has filed or is preparing unfair labor practice charges alleging refusal to bargain, failure to provide information, unilateral changes, retaliation and unlawful surveillance.
NBC Chicago reported that more than 98% of members voted to authorize a strike, that a walkout could start as soon as Sunday, and that members were given a final offer they will vote on Monday. In a statement carried by NBC Chicago, LAZ Parking said the Chicago Parking Association is negotiating in good faith and remains committed to the collective bargaining process. An authorization is not a walkout; no strike had begun in the reporting read Saturday night.
