7,000 union hotel workers in Chicago authorize strike

More than 7,000 Chicago hotel workers with Unite Here Local 1 voted 85% to authorize a strike over better wages and benefits. Contracts expired Aug. 31, and a strike could be called at any time, which the union says would be the largest hotel strike in the city's history. Employers include Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott International. Workers seek higher pay to keep up with inflation, healthcare and pension benefits, civil rights protections and safer workloads. The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association said it is deeply concerned about the negative impact on employees, visitors, hotels and the city, but impacted hotels have robust contingency plans and plan to remain open. Chicago's last major…