I just stayed there three days ago. Must say that I am saddened by the 'news' of strike.

That being said, I must agree fully with the prior post regarding the nature of the 'news article' -- it is a biased press release, and while it may have some merit and make the union's argument ardently, it is not objective.

I am probably not objective either. I am a Chicagoan with a longtime loyalty to Hyatt.

I will also confirm that Hyatt is a progressive organization with a conservative management approach, and its owners, the Pritzkers, do lean decidedly to the left. Hyatt generally have great relations with their labor as well (strikes are VERY rare at Hyatt.)

I do not know the details of the current dispute, and so cannot make a judgment -- but if the chief complaint is that Hyatt is going IPO while seeking a modest increase in Healthcare contributions (from $0/$10 to ??) the one thing has nothing to do with the other -- as I read it, the IPO is to grow the company and provide capital for expansion into existing and new markets, and to grow new brands (e.g. Hyatt Place and Andaz) -- not to line the pockets of the Pritzkers or deprive the workers their due.

That is just not the track record of the Pritzker Family or the Hyatt organization.

Also, the hotel industry is in the crapper currently, and no amount of success in the past years will overcome the challenges currently faced by the industry. Hyatt is stronger than most because, while they are progressive as an organization, they are deeply, disciplined, conservative and sophisticated when it comes to management. Even still, they have slowed in their growth the past year.

I hope they come to a mutually satisfactory resolution soon.