Solidarity for striking hotel workers in Chicago

The National Network of Abortion Funds expresses our firm solidarity with Unite HERE Local 1 workers whose contracts at 26 hotels in Chicago have expired and who are currently striking for year-round health insurance and fair benefits. We work toward a world in which all people have the power and resources to care for and affirm their bodies, identities, and health for themselves and their families—in all areas of their lives. This vision for reproductive justice cannot fully be realized without a living wage, healthy work conditions, and affordable access to quality healthcare for all, including abortion.

The National Network of Abortion Funds also recognizes the valuable contributions that unions make to securing workers’ rights. In selecting sites for convenings and events that we host, we prioritize hotels with unionized workers because much of our core constituency is comprised of low-wage workers. Indeed, we have previously held events at two of the sites currently under strike, the Palmer House and the Crowne Plaza Metro. We honor all that unions do to build the power of workers to negotiate for fair labor practices. We affirm their right to organize, including striking when needed, to achieve gender, racial, and economic justice. We join other organizations of conscience in urging hotel managers to honor the efforts of their hard-working, loyal employees by settling a contract to the workers’ satisfaction quickly.