Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth implemented a lockout early Wednesday after union representatives rejected the hotel’s latest contract proposal. The move follows months of negotiations and comes as similar agreements were reached with 17 other hotels in Quebec.
In a statement, the Montreal hotel said it took the action at 6 a.m., citing the union’s refusal to compromise on “several demands deemed unreasonable” despite the involvement of conciliators and management’s withdrawal of earlier proposals.
“Fairmont Queen Elizabeth remains committed to finding a solution that respects the interests of its employees,” the statement said. The hotel added that it regrets any inconvenience caused to clients and pledged to minimize disruptions to service.
The union representing the locked-out workers has not yet issued a public response. Negotiations have been ongoing for over a year, with both sides unable to agree on key issues.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth said it hopes to resume constructive talks to resolve the dispute quickly.