VANCOUVER, BC, July 29,
2024 /CNW/ - Hotel workers at the Residence Inn in
Vancouver have given their
employer 72-hour strike notice, following a 100% strike vote and
weeks of contract negotiations over fair wages, lighter workloads,
and improved benefits.
"The union members at the Residence Inn could not be more
serious when it comes to fighting for fair wages that reflect the
high cost of living in the Lower Mainland," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
The hotel employs more than 70 members of Unifor Local 433,
working in housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, and food and
beverage departments.
The union served 72-hour strike notice on Monday, which means
workers could be on strike as early as August 1 at noon, just days before a busy long
weekend while other downtown Vancouver hotels are also in the midst of
labour strife.
"This round of bargaining is crucial to address the gap and
ensure fair compensation moving forward," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Region
Director.
Key issues in this round of bargaining include wages, improved
workloads, benefits and vacation. Despite progress on non-monetary
issues since bargaining began on July
15, significant differences remain on wages.
The Residence Inn by Marriott is operated by SilverBirch Hotels
and Resorts, a hotel management company purchased by Leadon
Investment in 2017.
Unifor is Canada's largest
union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every
major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working
people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in
Canada and abroad, and strives to
create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor