Lockout Ends at Kobes Creek: Camp Hospitality Workers Ratify First Union Contracts with Historic Gains

Fort St. John, BC – Workers at Kobes Creek lodge and other area camps have set a new standard for Fort St. John camp workers. After fighting back against a lockout at Kobes Creek Lodge, camp hospitality workers have voted 100% in favour of ratifying their first union contract bringing significant gains for some of the hardest working people in the region.

Workers at two other area camps also reached new collective agreements. CPC Montney workers voted unanimously to ratify their first collective agreement and yesterday Attachie Lodge workers followed suit – also with a 100% yes vote.

Workers will see their wages rise by 33.5% by the end of the contracts, making them the top paid camp hospitality workers in Fort St. John. By the end of the contracts, sous chefs at these camps will earn $29.50 per hour, reflecting the essential nature of their work. They also won employer-paid health benefits, retroactive pay and travel pay.

Employed by Horizon North Camp Services, workers at the three camps unionized with UNITE HERE Local 40 last year. In February, workers at all three sites overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action, sending a strong message to their employers that they are united and determined to secure a fair contract.

Situated North of Fort St. John, in the core of British Columbia’s Montney resource region, Kobes Creek Lodge, CPC Montney Lodge and Attachie Lodge provides key accommodation sites for clients such as ConocoPhilips and ARC Resources’ oil and natural gas operations in the area.

UNITE HERE Local 40 represents approximately 1,400 camp hospitality workers in BC.

Media Contact: Rifat Islam, [email protected], 604-619-0798