Hospitality Gaming

Strike begins at Arbutus Club

VANCOUVER—More than 200 unionized workers at Vancouver’s exclusive Arbutus Club have begun job action for fair wages.

“The affordability crisis is front and centre with this labour dispute,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The Arbutus Club caters to the city's wealthiest clientele. Surely it can afford to pay the employees a decent, liveable wage.”  

The club, which charges tens of thousands of dollars in initiation fees, includes high-profile elites such as Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini.

Unifor members vote for strike action if necessary at Arbutus Club

VANCOUVER—Unifor Local 3000 members voted 95% in favour of strike action if the employer at the Arbutus Club continues to refuse to take bargaining seriously. 

“Unless something changes at the bargaining table, Arbutus Club members can expect a serious service disruption and a noisy picket line,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “With membership fees that run tens of thousands of dollars, we know the Arbutus Club will have no trouble meeting our reasonable wage demands.” 

Fairmont Empress Hotel spa workers join Unifor

Unifor Local 4276 welcomed nearly forty new members following a successful variance application after union cards were signed by workers at the Willow Stream Spa.

“We welcome these new members to our union and look forward to negotiating the collective agreement they deserve,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.  

The expansion of the bargaining unit includes spa attendants, experience coordinators, aestheticians, registered massage therapists, body technicians. Each area will now be represented by a lead hand.

Whistler Rally for Fair Wages

Join Unifor members and the B.C. Regional Council for a rally in support of Whistler hotel workers bargaining for a fair contract.

Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024

Time: 1:30 p.m. Pacific

Major wage gains for Unifor members at the Hotel Grand Pacific

VICTORIA—Wages will increase at least 16.3% over the next three years thanks to a new collective agreement ratified this evening by members of Unifor Local 114 at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

“Unifor members are setting a high standard in the hospitality sector,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We look forward to building on what Local 114 has achieved at the Hotel Grand Pacific.”

Residence Inn strike ends with new contract ratification

VANCOUVER—Members of Unifor Local 433 have won their fight for fair wage increases and safer working conditions, ending a three-week long strike at Vancouver’s Residence Inn.

“Fighting back works,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Unifor members at the Residence Inn have demonstrated again that union solidarity can help win significant contract gains.”

Unifor members to rally in support of striking workers at Residence Inn

VANCOUVER—Unifor members from across Metro Vancouver will show support for the Local 433 members on strike at the Residence Inn with a lunch-hour rally.

“Hospitality workers are the backbone of the tourism industry in Vancouver,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “They deserve safe working conditions and wages that keep pace with the region’s sky-high cost of living.”

What: Rally for Residence Inn workers 

Who: Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle and Unifor members