Archive for category: Alerts

HMS Host Workers at YVR Raise Standards in New Contract

Over 500 HMS Host workers won a major victory when they ratified a new 3 1/2 year agreement on May 9. The new agreement provides workers with significant wage increases of up to $2.00/hour, expands eligibility for medical benefits, and lowers the cost of medical coverage for workers and their families. This agreement will establish a first-time pension benefit for over 400 workers and improve pension contributions for the others.

Workers also secured additional rights that will improve scheduling, maximize hours, and provide greater job security.

The agreement follows a recent worker march through Vancouver Airport to demand a fair contract.

In 2010, during the last negotiations at YVR, Host workers launched a strike and then faced a 5-day lockout. Coming out of that fight, Local 40 successfully organized more than 300 new members at Starbucks, Burger King, Jamba Juice and other YVR locations.

With the leadership of the Union committee, Host members and Local 40 won a great contract that raises standards for hundreds of families in Vancouver!

 

Local 40 Members Ratify New Contract at 47 Hotels, Pubs & Liquor Stores

On December 12, 2013, UNITE HERE Local 40 members who work in 47 hotels, pubs and liquor stores across BC ratified their new collective agreement with 93% voting in favour. 

The new contract addresses major concerns raised by workers and sets new standards for hospitality workers throughout the province.   The new agreement lowers hours of eligibility to 20 hours/week which makes it easier for workers to maintain medical benefits through the slower, winter months.   The contract also provides for a prescription drug card and expands benefits for tourism workers and their families.  Workers will also receive good wage increases and improvements in their pensions.

Workers from Vancouver, Richmond, Harrison Hot Springs, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Victoria, Prince Rupert, and other communities, led the fight for nearly 18 months to reach a new contract with their employers.   The gains in this contract were achieved as a result of the hard work led by the Union Bargaining Committee and through a variety of public actions at places like the Holiday Inn Downtown Vancouver, Blue Horizon, Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Wedgwood Hotel, Empire Landmark, and Howard Johnson Nanaimo. 

As part of this contract fight, Sheraton Vancouver Airport workers held a 1-day strike.  This was the first hotel strike in Metro Vancouver in a dozen years.   Workers led other coordinated actions in their workplaces throughout BC.  Together, they have raised standards for tourism workers in BC.

Hospitality workers received key support from their customers, labour unions, elected officials, and community members during this contract campaign.   

Local 40 reached a settlement with Hospitality Industrial Relations, who represent the 47 employers, in late November.