BREAKING: Workers at Powell River Town Centre Hotel vote in favour of strike action

Workers at Powell River Town Centre Hotel have voted 76% in favour of strike action. Town Centre Hotel workers are struggling to keep up with the cost of living and demanding fair wages from their employer. The 35 workers have been in contract bargaining for over a year with no resolution in sight. The workers, room attendants, kitchen staff, servers, and front desk agents, are represented by UNITE HERE Local 40.

Powell River’s cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years. The current living wage is $23.33, but Town Centre Hotel workers earn far less. With hotel wages starting at $17 per hour, the hotel is facing challenges retaining staff. Town Centre hotel workers are struggling to support their families, pay rent, and save for their future.  Despite brisk business at the hotel, management is refusing to pay workers a living wage.

“Gas and groceries here in Powell River are increasing constantly. We pay extra here than anywhere else simply because of where we live. Everything we have in our stores comes in on freight or through the ferries. Because of this and inflation, most of us can barely get by. I enjoy where I work and I love my bosses and coworkers. I think I speak for everyone when I say we really need living wages where we work”, said Tyler Stieben, cook at Powell River Town Centre Hotel.

Picket lines could go up any time after workers issue 72-hour strike notice.

Media Contact: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, [email protected]