More than 140 workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford walked off the job Saturday evening after rejecting a tentative agreement, launching a strike over wages and stalled contract negotiations that have dragged on for more than a year.
The hotel employees, represented by Unifor Local 3000, include room attendants, front desk staff, banquet servers, kitchen workers, and maintenance personnel. Their previous contract expired in April 2024.
“This hotel runs because of our members — and they’re done waiting for a fair deal,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor’s Western Regional Director.
The strike began at 5:30 p.m. PT on July 5 after members voted down a proposed deal. The union says it’s pushing for better pay to match the high cost of living in Metro Vancouver.
“Our members deserve better and are trying to catch up,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “These workers kept the doors open during some of the most challenging years in hospitality. Now, they’re standing together to demand better wages.”
The Sheraton Vancouver Guildford is owned by Vancouver-based Pacific Reach Properties. Labour negotiations are handled on its behalf by Hospitality Industrial Relations, a third-party group that represents hotel operators across B.C.
“Wages at this hotel have flatlined while rent, groceries, and gas have soared,” said Adrian Burnett, President of Unifor Local 3000. “Our members are scraping by while a wealthy ownership group tries to nickel-and-dime them. This strike is the direct result of that imbalance.”
Unifor said it remains open to further negotiations but will continue job action until a satisfactory agreement is reached.
