Hilton Metrotown Workers Win Top Wage Standard in Burnaby

New collective agreement overwhelmingly ratified last night

Vancouver, BC — Hilton Metrotown workers have secured the highest wage standard for Burnaby’s hospitality workers after ratifying a new three-year agreement last night. The workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 40, voted 97% in favour of the new collective agreement. Workers will receive a 21.5% wage increase over the term, setting a new industry-leading wage standard for suburban area hotel workers.

With Hilton Metrotown charging rates of nearly $500 per night or more, with some nights fully booked, the workers bargained a contract that enables them to share in the success of the hotel.

“I am so proud that we won major wage increases and raised the standard for local hotel workers. We take pride in the service we deliver to guests every day.  Our work should be valued, and this new contract allows us to support our families and keep doing the work we love,” said Michelle Catubig, a room attendant and member of the union bargaining committee.

Under the new agreement, the new Burnaby hotel wage standard will lift the room attendant wage to $28.10 per hour and the first cook wage to $31.67 per hour during the contract term.  Workers also secured increased incentive pay for valet and bell staff, greater gratuities for restaurant and room service staff, increased pay for department leads and training, in addition to enhancements to their paramedical and vision benefits, among other benefits.  The new agreement expires in 2028.

The gains for Hilton Metrotown workers follow other standard-setting contracts recently won by UNITE HERE Local 40 members across Downtown Vancouver and Richmond hotels and at Vancouver International Airport.

Media Contact: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785