Neutrality agreements allow labor unions to organize workers in hotels and other industries without the trouble of a secret-ballot election. UNITE HERE, which represents hotel employees in several major markets, attempted in summer 2006 to extend its reach into the industry via neutrality agreements. The union contracts expired in several markets, which meant that the hotel chains were faced with the possibility of labor strife in their major cities. In exchange for labor peace, the chains agreed to a moderate extension of organizing by neutrality agreement, but not to the extent that the union might have wished.