Westrec Harbor Workers Advocate for better pay, support at Chicago Parks District Board Meeting

SEIU Local 73 Westrec harbor workers attended today’s Chicago Parks District board meeting to advocate for better pay and support.

Westrec workers labor year-round to ensure Chicago harbors are safe, including de-icing in the winter, installing no-wake buoys along the lakefront and securing docks. The Chicago Parks District contracts with Westrec to take care of the harbors.

“Without our knowledge and skills, the harbors would not have been able to open on time this season. We are essential to this company,” said Jeff Reynolds, a Westrec worker who has been with the company for close to seven years.

But workers are paid so little that a typical full-time Westrec employee would need to spend nearly 75% of their monthly pay just to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago, based on current wage data and Zillow rent estimates.

Public documents show Westrec brought in a record $31.2 million in gross revenue in 2025 alone, resulting in $15.6 million in gross profits.

“The 60 cent raise that management has offered for most of our members this year, after we’ve experienced record inflation over the last five years, does not show respect for the work we do,” Reynolds said.

Arthur Jones, a Westrec worker of over ten years who has the position of dock master, also spoke at the meeting.

“Cost of living goes up, we help this place prosper, and they won’t help us prosper,” Jones said.

The workers called on the Chicago Parks District board members and leaders to support their demands for adequate support and compensation.