Media Advisory: Hunger Strikers to Hold Press Briefing outside Labour Minister Harry Bains’ Surrey Office

For Immediate Release
August 31, 2020 (Updated)

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

Demonstration to follow Comment on End of Extension of Temporary Layoff Provisions

 Vancouver, B.C.— Today, hunger strikers will hold a press briefing at the Surrey office of Labour Minister Harry Bains on Monday to comment on the extension of BC’s temporary layoff provisions.  Fasting hotel workers plan to move their encampment to Surrey and will hold a demonstration following the press briefing to demand that Minister Bains protect tens of thousands of laid-off workers who are at risk of permanently losing their jobs. The province extended the temporary layoff provisions to help businesses delay severance payouts to workers without granting laid-off workers a legal right to eventually return to their jobs. Today marks Day 22 of the “Fast for Our Jobs.”

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

WHERE:  105-7327 137 Street, Surrey, BC (outside Minister Harry Bains’ office)

WHEN:  Monday, August 31, 11AM

VISUALS:  Fasters and supporters chanting, singing and marching, socially distanced and wearing masks, holding colourful banners, signs, and bullhorns.

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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.