Employees of the Grand Pacific Hotel in Victoria prepare for strike after employer’s silence

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Workers at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Victoria voted overwhelmingly (92 percent) to strike after negotiations stalled in May and the employer refused to return to the bargaining table.

“These workers are entitled to a fair wage that reflects the cost of living in the community in which they work,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The disrespect of the employer who refuses to negotiate fairly will lead to strike action unless he returns to the negotiating table with a serious offer.”

The 160 members of Unifor Local 114 are employed in a variety of departments, including housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, reservations, the Fathom Restaurant, the Courtyard Café and the banquet department.

The Grand Pacific Hotel is a four-star hotel located next to the Legislature in Victoria.

“Unifor has worked to raise the bar for hotel workers across British Columbia, and we expect the Grand Pacific to meet that standard. For far too long, hospitality workers have been undervalued, but the reality is that our members are essential to the success of these hotel operations,” said Gavin McGarrigle, director of Unifor’s Western Region.

Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, represents 320,000 workers in all major sectors of the economy. The union advocates for workers’ rights, promotes equality and social justice both in Canada and around the world, and drives progressive change for a better future.