The Congress Plaza Hotel is located across South Michigan Avenue from Grant Park in Chicago. After opening for business in 1893, for the World's Columbian Exposition,[1] the hotel underwent several expansions and renovations; it now features 850 guest rooms and suites. [2]
The hotel is not affiliated with any national chain. It is owned by a Syrian national, Albert Nasser Shayo. [1] Mr. Shayo is Jewish and the hotel’s activities are sometimes reported in the Jewish press. [3][4]
On 15 June 2003, about 130 members of UNITE HERE Local 1 went on strike to protest a proposed seven percent wage cut. [5] They continue to picket the hotel in what is the longest strike ongoing in the United States.[6]
Management has not increased its hourly wage offer to meet the norm of other unionized hotels. According to the union, housekeepers in other hotels in the city earn $14.60 an hour. Management has offered $8.83 an hour.
On 16 June, 2007 Barack Obama, then running for the presidency, joined the picket line briefly. He promised to return as president. [7]