Media Advisory for Video Press Conference – Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 11AM PT/ 2PM ET
Contact: Stephanie Fung, sfung@local40union.com , 604-928-7356
Click here to register in advance

Impacted by Quarantine Act, Displaced Hotel Workers ask Federal Government: Why Are You Taking Away Our Jobs?

WHAT: UNITE HERE Local 40 will host a video press conference with laid-off workers who could permanently lose their jobs because of the federal takeover of the Pacific Gateway Hotel, currently being used as a quarantine site.  The workers are represented by UNITE HERE Local 40.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 25 at 11AM Pacific Time / 2PM Eastern Time

WHO: 

  • UNITE HERE Local 40 hotel members from Pacific Gateway Hotel
  • Robert Demand, UNITE HERE Local 40 Executive Director

WHERE: Zoom; RSVP here for conference information:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GWY7dL_sT-Cjx_YyMKANMg

WHY:  The Trudeau government is urging employers to keep their workforce intact – yet the federal takeover of the Pacific Gateway Hotel, located near Vancouver International Airport, could put the jobs of 150 workers at risk. The federal government took over the hotel as a quarantine site in April and brought in the Red Cross to perform duties typically performed by hotel workers.  As COVID-19 cases rise, there is no end in sight to the federal takeover of the hotel.  Yet, the government has not acknowledged the impact of displacing long-term Pacific Gateway workers, most of whom are women and immigrants, who may begin to permanently lose their jobs in January.

UNITE HERE Local 40 is a labour union representing workers in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.