Sheraton Vancouver Airport Caught Violating Labour Code during Tense Strike

Employer violated B.C.’s anti-scab law

 

Vancouver, BC —The BC Labour Relations Board has declared that the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel violated the Labour Code; the hotel used six unlawful replacement workers to perform bargaining unit work of UNITE HERE Local 40 members who are on strike.

The Labour Board has ordered the employer to cease and desist using any impermissible workers to perform the work of any bargaining unit employee that is on strike. It has also ordered that the hotel provide the Union with daily a list of all permissible replacement workers that are performing bargaining unit work on that day, with their specific assignments and duties.

“The hotel’s illegal use of replacement workers to do the jobs of our striking members showcases the lack of respect management has for its long-term workforce and what they contribute to this hotel. It also disrespects hotel guests who deserve to be provided with excellent customer service for the price they are paying – and instead are staying in a hotel with significantly scaled back guest services. We urge management to bargain with the Union and seriously address workers’ concern for livable wages, so our members can get back to work,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40.

Sheraton Airport workers walked off the job on Wednesday, June 14, in a tense labour dispute over the hotel’s refusal to pay their staff a living wage. Many of the workers are struggling to keep up with the escalating cost of living in Metro Vancouver, with some working multiple jobs. The workers are picketing outside of the property daily from 7am to 7pm and advising the public to boycott Sheraton Vancouver Airport and its sister hotels next door, Hilton Vancouver Airport and Marriott Vancouver Airport, which are operated by the same company.

 

Media Contact: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40.com