Press Release: Union Urges Premier to Intervene to Protect Convention Centre Banquet Workers’ Right to Unionize
Vancouver, BC — UNITE HERE Local 40 has sent a letter to Premier David Eby and Tourism Minister Anne Kang calling on the provincial government to intervene on behalf of contracted banquet workers at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
A strong majority of banquet workers employed by contractor Sodexo Live have signed union cards to join UNITE HERE Local 40. The union says the workers’ application is being challenged by the contractor, despite the clear majority support for union representation.
At the same time, Local 40 has filed an unfair labour practice complaint against Sodexo Live related to the company’s conduct during the organizing drive.
In the letter, the union urges the NDP government to direct PavCo and its contractor to withdraw their challenge and allow the workers’ democratic choice to prevail.
“These banquet workers help power Vancouver’s hospitality industry and represent our city to visitors from around the world,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “They have clearly chosen to join a union, and that choice should be respected, not delayed or undermined through legal challenges. We are calling on the government to live up to its values and ensure these workers can exercise their right to organize freely and without interference.”
Banquet staff at the Vancouver Convention Centre play a key role in delivering events and conferences that showcase British Columbia on the global stage – including the upcoming 76th FIFA Congress. They deserve respect, fair treatment, and the freedom to choose union representation without obstruction.
“Workers who help make B.C.’s world-class convention centre successful should not face anti-union tactics simply for standing up for themselves,” said Chan. “Workers serving guests at the Vancouver Convention Centre deserve the same voice on the job that thousands of hospitality workers in nearby unionized convention hotels already have.”
Contact: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785