Day 9 of “Fast for Our Jobs” – Hunger Strikers to Ministers Lana Popham and Rob Fleming: Protect our Jobs!

Contact: Stephanie Fung, [email protected], 604-928-7356; or Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785

Victoria, B.C.— Today, on the ninth day of their hunger strike outside the BC Legislature, delegations of fasting hotel workers will urge Ministers Lana Popham (MLA, Saanich South) and Rob Fleming (MLA, Victoria-Swan Lake) to protect the jobs of 50,000 hotel workers across BC.  The fasters will deliver a petition, signed by hundreds of supporters, to the ministers urging them to enact protections for hard-hit hotel workers laid-off due to the pandemic.

Tomorrow: Demonstration to Save 50,000 Jobs to be held at BC Legislature

Wednesday, August 19, 12pm: Fasters and their allies will hold a demonstration outside the BC Legislature ahead of the government’s announcement on recall protections. The provincial review of recall protections is expected to conclude on August 20.  While the government contemplates the tourism sector’s request for a $680 million bailout, laid-off hotel workers face the risk of being permanently replaced. Hotel workers want a legal right to return to their jobs as business recovers.

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

WHERE:  501 Belleville St, Victoria, BC

WHEN:  Wednesday, August 19, 12 p.m.*

VISUALS:  Fasters marching in procession, socially distanced and wearing masks, with protestors chanting and speaking with colourful banners, signs, and bullhorns.

*Media availability with fasting hotel workers.

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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.