Air carrier inbound to ORD commented on the runway in use; noting current wind components precluded use of runways; the reporter suggesting both additional controller training regarding aircraft limitations and the start up of the FAM program to enhance controller awareness.

Narrative

While on arrival descent to ORD; ATC informed us that ORD was changing runways and to slow to slowest practical speed. Last ATIS showed landing runways at ORD as 14R and 22R. Winds were reported to be 200/26G39. New ATIS showed a change to Runways 27L/R and 28; with the same wind. This had to put most landing aircraft beyond their crosswind limits. We asked ATC to confirm runways in use at ORD. We turned our other radio to monitor Tower and heard an aircraft go around attempting to land on 27L. At that point; the Captain notified Center we would not accept the runways in use due to crosswind. Controller sounded upset and immediately told us to hold at TEDDY. After that several more aircraft on arrival refused new runway configuration and were also placed in holding. About 15-20 minutes later ATC notified everyone new runway was 14R and to let him know if unable. My recommendation is for controllers to get general training on airframe capabilities and limitations. This runway configuration change was unsafe and not appropriate; when it put many aircraft out of crosswind limits. We need to get the controllers back into the cockpits on familiarization flights to have a better understanding of what pilots are experiencing in our air traffic system. This event also cost a lot of airlines fuel and unnecessary delays.