As Workers Rise Up During “Striketober” in Response to Pandemic Hardships, Hospitality Workers across Canada and U.S. Say it’s Time to “Come Back Stronger”
Rally at Hilton Vancouver Metrotown this Thursday
WHO: Over 8,000 UNITE HERE hospitality workers across Canada and U.S.
WHAT: Hilton Metrotown and other Vancouver area hotel workers to hold a rally with community allies as part of day of action across 29 cities.
WHERE: (In B.C.) Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, 6083 McKay Ave, Burnaby
WHEN: Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 3:00 PM
WHY: Workers’ renewed militancy has made headlines during so-called “Striketober,” and hospitality workers are fighting for a recovery with good jobs under the banner “Come Back Stronger.” Approximately 8,000 hospitality workers in 29 cities across Canada and the U.S. will hold a variety of events on October 28 – including marches, pickets, rallies, a unionization vote, and a strike authorization vote, as well as internal events such as meetings with management.
Hotel, casino, and food service workers say their jobs haven’t come back even as business rebounds because employers are taking advantage of the pandemic to increase workloads, introduce automation, and cut jobs. Meanwhile, workers at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown have been locked out for over 6 months. Hilton management fired 97 long-term workers during the pandemic, many of them women. The hotel wants to cut back daily room cleaning to save on labour costs at a time when sanitizing rooms is critical to worker and guest safety. Across North America, hospitality workers will lead actions to call for a recovery where no one gets left behind.
VISUALS: Crowds of housekeepers, cooks, bartenders, and concessions workers will carry bold black and red banners or signs.
Note: Interviews with Hilton Metrotown workers and union representatives are available immediately. Contact: Stephanie at 604-928-7356 or [email protected].
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UNITE HERE is the hospitality workers’ union in Canada and the U.S., representing over 300,000 workers in hotels, gaming, restaurants and food service, airports, and more. Ninety-eight percent of its members were laid off at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and sixty percent remain out of work today.