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Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi toured the Hyatt Regency Toronto to meet with hospitality workers represented by Unifor Local 112 and hear directly about the challenges facing members in the sector.
“Hospitality workers keep Ontario’s hospitality economy running, and the work they do every day deserves respect, fair compensation, and safe working conditions,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi.
“What I heard from members at the Hyatt Regency was that workers are feeling the pressure of increased workloads and physically demanding conditions, and they need employers and governments to take those concerns seriously.”
A key takeaway from the tour was the pride and dedication that Unifor members at the Hyatt have in their work, and how they go above-and-beyond to ensure guests have the best stay possible while in their care.
Hashi met with workers from a wide range of hotel classifications, including room attendants, laundry attendants, front office staff, cooks, servers, bartenders, banquet workers, housekeeping staff, and guest services workers.
Members spoke candidly about ongoing workplace concerns, including heavy workloads and repetitive strain injuries caused by physically demanding work performed at a fast pace, underscoring the importance of the union's work to set safe workplace standards in contracts and through daily collaboration with employers through joint health and safety committees.
Members at the Hyatt ratified a new collective agreement in 2024 that included wage increases and improvements for workers across the hotel. The agreement reflects the growing momentum of hospitality workers organizing and fighting for stronger standards in the sector.
“Having Samia visit the workplace meant a great deal to our members,” said Unifor Local 112 President John Turner. “It was important for workers to have the opportunity to speak directly about the realities they face every day, and to know that those concerns are taken seriously and will translate to solidarity and action from our Ontario Regional Council.”
The hospitality sector continues to face staffing pressures and increasing demands on frontline workers as hotels and tourism operators navigate rising costs.
"We're going to be with these members, every step of the way, before, during and after bargaining," continued Hashi.
