After two years without a contract, hotel workers in Chicago and three other cities are walking the picket line in response to the stalled negotiations, affecting six locations and some 3,000 workers. Unite Here, which represents the hotel workers, has staged several strikes during the ongoing contract talks, but this is reportedly the first time the strike has lasted longer that a day or two. The Hyatt strike is also taking place in Los Angeles, Honolulu, and San Francisco. Chicago Hyatt workers saw their contract expire in August 2009 and have been embroiled in contract talks since then. 

"Hyatt workers are waging a crucial struggle," said John Wilhelm, president of UNITE HERE. "In the face of widening income inequality and the systematic eradication of the American middle class, Hyatt workers are bravely fighting for the ability to stand up for one another in contending with a global giant like Hyatt."

Negotiations between the Hyatt and unions reps are set to take place on September 15.