Workers at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria have delivered a strong mandate for strike action, with 92 per cent of the union members voting in favour, according to Unifor. The decision follows stalled negotiations that began in May, as the employer has not returned to the bargaining table, it said.
“These workers deserve to be paid a fair wage that reflects the cost of living in the community where they work,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. She warned that unless the employer returns to negotiations with a serious offer, strike action will proceed.
The workers, who are represented by Unifor Local 114, include approximately 160 employees across various departments such as housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, reservations, Fathom restaurant, the Courtyard Café, and the banquets department.
Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor’s Western Region Director, emphasized the importance of hotel workers in the success of the hospitality sector. “Unifor has worked to raise the bar for hotel workers across B.C., and we fully expect the Grand Pacific to meet that standard. For too long, workers in the hospitality sector have been undervalued, but the reality is our members are essential to the success of these hotel operations,” he said.
The Hotel Grand Pacific, a four-star establishment located next to the Legislature in Victoria, is now facing potential strike action as its workers push for better wages and conditions.
Unifor, the largest private-sector union in Canada, represents 320,000 workers across various industries.
