Chicago parking workers end four-day walkout after new contract deal

Parking workers in the Chicago area stopped working for four days before their union and employers agreed to a new contract. The tentative deal was announced Friday afternoon and resolves a dispute that began when the previous agreement expired on Saturday.

Teamsters Local 727 represents approximately 1,200 employees across 15 parking companies in the region. These companies manage facilities at O'Hare and Midway airports, as well as Soldier Field. The union began the strike on Tuesday, citing claims that employers were not bargaining in good faith and were engaging in unfair labor practices.

The employers are represented by the Chicago Parking Association. Member companies include SP Plus/Metropolis, LAZ Parking, Interpark, ABM, and Imperial/Reimagine Parking. Other participants in the agreement are Legacy Parking, ACE, Peoples Auto Park, Advance Parking, Metro Valet, Park Plus, Pioneer Parking, Vargas, Secure Parking, and Windy City Parking Services.

John Coli Jr., secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 727, described the terms of the new deal. He stated that the agreement protects jobs against emerging technologies, increases paid time off, and adds a new retiree benefit. Coli Jr. said the contract provides the largest benefit and wage increases in the union's history for the parking industry.

The timing of the negotiation was critical for local events. Union leaders noted that without a deal by Sunday night, parking lots at Soldier Field would have been closed for the Bears game. The tentative agreement is not yet final. Union members must vote to ratify the contract before it becomes official.