CHICAGO – November 03, 2026 -- Nearly 1,200 members of Teamsters Local 727 have launched an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike against parking operators across the Chicagoland area, after voting down the employers' "last, best, and final" contract offer.

Union cites bad-faith bargaining and files ULP charges against employers

The employers bargain collectively through the Chicago Parking Association under the Master Parking Agreement. Local 727 says it has filed, or is preparing, ULP charges alleging refusal to bargain, failure to provide information, unilateral changes to working conditions, retaliation and unlawful surveillance.

"These companies broke the law and forced our members onto the strike line," said John T. Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. He said members are prepared to stay out for as long as it takes.

Fifteen named operators fall under the Master Parking Agreement

The strike could involve Teamsters covered by the Master Parking Agreement with SP Plus/Metropolis, LAZ Parking, Interpark, ABM, Imperial/Reimagine Parking, Legacy Parking, ACE, Peoples Auto Park, Advance Parking, Metro Valet, Park Plus, Pioneer Parking, Vargas, Secure Parking and Windy City Parking Services.

Carolyn German, a Local 727 steward, said members are striking because the companies refuse to negotiate fairly and follow the law.

Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 workers in the Chicago area, so the parking unit on strike makes up roughly one-eighth of its membership by the union's own figures. The source gives no strike duration, no contract terms and no response from the Chicago Parking Association or the named operators.