Day 4 of City Hall Encampment: FIFA Walked Away, Workers Paid the Price: Hotel Workers to Speak Out as Vancouver Rushes More Hotel Approvals
Vancouver, BC — Hotel workers held a press conference today to discuss the gap between the promises made before the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the reality they experienced after the tournament.
City Hall and hotel developers repeatedly cited the World Cup to justify fast-tracking hotel developments, arguing Vancouver urgently needed more hotel rooms. Instead, hotel occupancy dropped sharply following the tournament, leaving many hotel workers with fewer shifts and reduced income during what was expected to be one of the busiest summers in years.
While workers bore the financial impact, hotel companies were able to protect profits by raising room rates while reducing staffing and scheduled hours. Workers will call on Vancouver City Council to consider directing a small portion of $105 million raised through the Major Events Tax to those who experienced lost hours and earnings during the tournament.
UNITE HERE Local 40 will also comment on last night’s abruptly halted public hearing for 75 East 8th Avenue. After hearing from a single speaker, Council recessed public input until July 23, even though more than 200 people have registered to speak and dozens were waiting to oppose the proposed hotel at 75 E 8th Avenue, which would displace dozens of families and tenants.
WHAT: Media availability on the impact of the FIFA World Cup on hotel workers.
WHEN: Friday, July 17 at 12pm
WHERE: Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue
VISUALS: Workers and community allies holding colourful signs, bullhorns.