Unifor Local 4276 began contract negotiations with the Fairmont Empress in Victoria on Feb. 9, with mental health supports and cost-of-living relief at the top of the bargaining agenda.
The talks mark the first time workers at the adjoining Fairmont Spa will be included in collective bargaining. Spa workers are not typically unionized at comparable hotels, the union said.
Pattern-setting negotiations
Agreements reached with the Fairmont Empress have historically served as a template for Unifor negotiations at other properties, including Fairmont Vancouver, the Hotel Grand Pacific, the Coast Coal Harbour, and the Residence Inn.
“Unifor members at Local 4276 are ready to lead the way for the hospitality industry in 2026,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president. “The hospitality sector is a clear example of the ‘union advantage’: workers at unionized hotels enjoy higher wages, better benefits, and greater job security.”
Focus on mental health and affordability
Local 4276 members identified mental health resources and wage increases to address rising living costs as key priorities for this round of bargaining.
“Hospitality workers are the backbone of a strong tourism economy,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor western regional director. “We look forward to ensuring that industry-leading collective agreements continue to reward the hard work of hospitality workers in every region.”
Union representation in hospitality
Unifor represents more than 8,000 workers in the hotel industry across Canada. Racialized women are overrepresented in the sector, particularly in housekeeping roles.
Unifor is Canada’s largest private-sector union, representing 315,000 workers.
