Indrani Batabyal
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Hotel workers at the Residence Inn in Vancouver have issued a 72-hour strike notice to their employer. This action follows a unanimous strike vote and several weeks of contract negotiations aimed at securing fair wages, reduced workloads, and enhanced 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 over 70 members of Unifor Local 433, who work in housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, and food and beverage departments. The union issued a 72-hour strike notice on Monday, meaning workers could potentially strike as early as noon on August 1. This comes just days before a busy long weekend, during a period when other downtown Vancouver hotels are also experiencing labor disputes.
“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 the current negotiations include wages, improved workloads, benefits, and vacation. Despite progress on non-monetary matters since talks began on July 15, significant differences remain regarding wages.
The Residence Inn by Marriott is managed by SilverBirch Hotels and Resorts, which was acquired by Leadon Investment in 2017.
Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, represents 320,000 workers across all major sectors of the economy. The union advocates for workers’ rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and internationally, and aims to foster progressive change for a better future.
