Chicago-area Hyatt hotel workers voted Thursday to authorize a strike if the union deems it necessary during contract negotiations.

The unionized employees - members of Unite Here Local 1 - work at four Hyatt hotels, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. They are the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Park Hyatt, Hyatt McCormick Place and Hyatt O'Hare.

Last week, Unite Here organized a national protest at Hyatt-brand hotels in 15 cities including Chicago, Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Long Beach, Calif.

Unite Here union officials, who are in the midst of negotiating new contracts for workers at several Hyatt hotels, said that Hyatt hotel workers have been hit with cut hours and excessive injury rates.

Hotel workers in downtown Chicago have been in citywide contract negotiations since August of 2009, according to the union, the Sun-Times reports.

Readers: Will you stay in hotels where workers are on strike?