Media Advisory: Protest to be held at Shangri-La Hotel; Laid-off Workers Say No Bailout for Tourism Sector without Job Protection!

Vancouver, B.C.— Today, hotel workers plan to protest mass terminations at the luxury Shangri-La Hotel and demand laid-off workers need the legal right to return to their jobs as business recovers. While the provincial government considers whether to grant the tourism industry a $680 million bailout, laid-off hospitality workers across B.C. are being fired because they lack legal protection to eventually return to their jobs. Over 50,000 B.C. hospitality workers were laid off in March due to the pandemic, but the province has yet to enact measures that compel hotel owners – like Ian Gillespie’s Westbank and Peterson Investments – to keep their workforce intact.

WHO:         Hotel workers, community allies from across the Lower Mainland.

WHERE:     1128 W Georgia Street, Vancouver BC

WHEN:       Tuesday, July 28, 12 p.m.*

VISUALS:  Hospitality workers wearing masks standing 2 metres apart, chanting and speaking with colourful banners, signs, and bullhorns.

*Media availability with UNITE HERE Local 40 president Zailda Chan and non-union hotel workers (English and Cantonese speakers available).

For additional information, please contact:
Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, [email protected]

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UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.