Hotel workers at the Residence Inn in Vancouver have issued a 72-hour strike notice, setting the stage for a potential walkout on August 1. The decision follows a unanimous strike vote and weeks of contract negotiations centred on demands for fair wages, lighter 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’s national president.
The hotel employs more than 70 members of Unifor Local 433 in roles such as housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, and food and beverage. The strike notice was served on Monday, potentially disrupting operations just days before a busy long weekend and amidst ongoing labour disputes at other downtown Vancouver hotels.
“This round of bargaining is crucial to address the gap and ensure fair compensation moving forward,” stated Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor’s western region director.
Key issues in the current negotiations include wages, workloads, benefits, and vacation time. While progress has been made on non-monetary issues since bargaining began on July 15, significant differences remain regarding wages, according to the union.
The Residence Inn by Marriott is managed by SilverBirch Hotels and Resorts, a company acquired by Leadon Investment in 2017.
Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, represents 320,000 workers across various industries.