Press Release: Inn at Laurel Point Workers avert strike, increase their wages by 20% or more

Victoria, BC – UNITE HERE Local 40 members at the Inn at Laurel Point have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective agreement last night. Workers voted 98% in favour of the contract, securing significant wage gains to meet the rising cost of living in Victoria. Workers bargained a wage increase of 20% or more from June 2022 – February 2026.  By the end of the new contract, Cooks will earn 25% more in wages over the previous agreement, while Room Attendants will earn 26% more.

Under the new contract, the tipped workers achieved improvements to protecting their gratuities. These new protections give servers, bartenders, banquet staff, room attendants and bellstaff the right to review records to ensure management correctly pays automatic charges and credit/debit card tips and it prohibits management creating tip pools. Front Desk staff won unprecedented protections of their sales commissions.

“Getting the contract we want means that I am better able to support my family. The team here at Laurel Point – the housekeepers, front desk agents, banquet workers, restaurant servers, kitchen staff and other departments – are what keeps this place an amazing place to work and stay. I’m very proud that we all stuck together to attain a living wage, given Victoria’s high rate of inflation. I hope this inspires other unions and workers to demand what is fair and just for them as well,” said Aaron Walters, a server at Inn at Laurel Point’s Aura Restaurant

The contract win for Inn at Laurel Point workers averts a strike and ensures they will continue to provide four-star service to guests during the busy tourist season. Workers had issued 72-hour strike notice on April 27 after months at the bargaining table.

“The workers are happy and relieved to come to an agreement. We were fortunate to have a strong group of organizers and committee to achieve this fair result,” said Harj Aheer, front desk agent at the Inn.

 

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