Women Labour Leaders to Lead Demonstration in Support of Women Fired by Hotel Industry

Heads of BC’s largest unions and Canadian Labour Congress to Demand Hotel Industry Return Workers Back to their Jobs in Unprecedented Sit-In Action

Vancouver, BC: Today, women labour leaders from B.C. and across Canada will stand shoulder to shoulder with women hotel workers in a direct action to demand that the hotel industry bring long-term staff back to their jobs. Hilton Metrotown workers have been locked out for almost 16 weeks, after management fired 97 long-term employees. The hotel industry is taking advantage of the pandemic to erode the economic security of workers, primarily women and immigrants — with Hilton Metrotown leading the way. In response, workers launched the BC Unequal Women campaign to call attention to the disproportionate impact from the pandemic on women in the hotel industry. In this unprecedented direct action, women labour leaders from UNITE HERE Local 40, BCGEU, BCTF, HEU, CUPE BC, UFCW, and the BC Federation of Labour and more, will take over the streets to support women hotel workers who have borne the brunt of the pandemic for far too long. They will be joined by the newly elected leadership team of women heading up the Canadian Labour Congress and the broader community.

WHO: Hilton Metrotown hotel workers, women labour leaders, and allies across Canada. Press conference speakers include:

Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress
Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40
Teri Mooring, President of the BC Teachers’ Federation
Karen Ranalletta, President of CUPE BC
Locked out Hilton Metrotown hotel worker Liza Secretaria
Striking Pacific Gateway hotel worker, Pardeep Thandi

WHERE: 6083 McKay Ave, Burnaby, BC

WHEN: Thursday, August 5th

*Press Conference to start at 4:30 p.m.

*Sit-In to begin at 5:00 p.m.

VISUALS: Hotel workers and allies chanting with colourful banners, signs, and bullhorns

Media availability with UNITE HERE Local 40 President Zailda Chan and hotel workers.

For additional information, please contact:
Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, sfung@unitehere40.com

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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.