UNITE HERE Local 40, BC’s union for hospitality workers, is seeking a Community / Political Organizer to build power for hospitality workers. We are committed to developing rank-and-file leadership, organizing the unorganized, and to building a strong, fighting labour union. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to working for social justice through a strong labour movement. The successful applicant we are looking for is driven, courageous, open to feedback, hard working, and a fighter with a deep commitment to social change. The position entails irregular hours including work in the evenings and weekends.
Job Duties & Skills:
Excellent communication and verbal skills in order to move workers and allies to take
collective action and build power.
Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
Identify and meet with worker leaders to recruit and train them as leaders for community
campaigns.
Motivate and inspire union members; engage them in political education and direct
lobbying and actions.
Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate recruitment strategies including policies,
programs, and procedures.
Represent UNITE HERE’s priorities in interactions with external as well as internal
contacts at all levels of the organization.
Develop and establish member training material and sessions.
Organize and participate in meetings and demonstrations.
Frequently attend multiple distant locations within a short time span in order to meet with
workers at their homes and other sites. Many of these locations will not be easily
accessible by public transit.
Must have a valid drivers’ license and own car preferred.
This is a temporary 3-month position with possible extensions beyond that.
Job Requirements:
Passion for and commitment to fighting for worker’s rights. Ideal candidate brings 1 year of experience as a labour/union organizer, rank and file union activist, and/or experience working with the student, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and/or environmental activist communities.
Salary: $62,000 plus car allowance.
Contact:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume outlining relevant experience and including references to [email protected]. Only candidates meeting all requirements will be contacted for interviews.
Richmond, BC – Workers at the Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel have overwhelmingly ratified their first union contract as members of UNITE HERE Local 40. With this contract, 90 Marriott workers will now enjoy the same union benefits as their unionized colleagues at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel next door.
The workers voted to join the union in August and, after a swift round of negotiations, have secured their first collective agreement. This agreement will be in place until 2027.
“We are grateful to Larco Hospitality for working with us to quickly reach an agreement that benefits both the workers and the hotel,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “This contract provides stability and ensures Marriott workers will share in the same strong protections and benefits as other Local 40 members in the community.”
This milestone comes on the heels of Local 40’s recent organizing victories at YVR Airport and remote work camps, further strengthening the union’s role in raising standards across BC’s hospitality industry.
UNITE HERE Local 40 advocates for 50,000 BC hospitality workers in British Columbia, including hotel, airport, and camp workers for fair wages, secure jobs, and strong workplace rights.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2025-10-06 11:26:562025-10-06 11:26:56Vancouver Airport Marriott Workers Ratify First Union Contract with UNITE HERE Local 40
Victoria, BC – Hundreds of workers and allies gathered yesterday at the BC Legislature in a powerful show of solidarity with locked-out Coast Victoria Hotel workers. The rally brought together unions and community members from across the province to stand with the nearly ninety hotel workers who have been locked out of their jobs for more than a month.
In a major development, Susanne Skidmore, BC Federation of Labour President, announced at the rally that the BCFED has issued a boycott of Coast Victoria Hotel until workers win a fair contract.
“There’s no excuse for locking out workers who are just fighting for safe workloads, proper staffing levels and wages high enough to let them live in the city they serve,” said Susanne Skidmore. “The BC Federation of Labour and our affiliates will not stand by while this employer disrespects its workers. We are calling on all unions, community organizations, and the public to boycott the Coast Victoria Hotel until this lockout ends.”
The rally featured support from leaders of BCGEU, HEU, and other labour unions, along with heartfelt speeches from Coast Victoria workers who shared the struggles they face in Victoria’s unaffordable housing market.
“This lockout has been devastating, but the support we received today shows us that we are not alone,” said Melissa Irvine, a housekeeper at Coast Victoria. “With the backing of the labour movement, we know we can win the respect and wages we deserve.”
Workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, began limited strike action on August 20 to urge management to pay living wages and improve working conditions. Rather than resolve the dispute, the company escalated by locking-out workers on September 17.
The boycott announcement marks an escalation of the dispute with Coast Hotels and APA Hotels & Resorts, the multinational owner of the property.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2025-09-26 11:07:162025-09-26 11:07:16Boycott Declared by BC Federation of Labour as Coast Victoria Hotel Workers Rally Against Lockout
Victoria, BC – Ninety hospitality workers at the Coast Victoria Hotel and Blue Crab Seafood House remain locked out by their employer on day 4 of the company’s aggressive move to shut them out of their jobs. Instead of coming to the bargaining table to resolve issues of low wages, heavy workloads, and safe staffing levels, management has chosen to punish workers for demanding fairness.
“Being locked out is devastating. We want to work, but we cannot keep doing it at poverty wages that don’t cover the cost of living in Victoria,” said Melissa Irvine, a housekeeper at Coast Victoria. “This is our livelihood, and we will not back down until the hotel respects us.”
For the workers, the lockout means a sudden loss of income, uncertainty about paying rent, and the added stress of not knowing when they will be allowed to return to the jobs they have dedicated years to. Many workers are long-time employees who have built their lives in Victoria while cleaning rooms, cooking meals, and serving guests. Now, they are being told they cannot work simply because they dared to stand up for living wages.
“We will not be silenced by this lockout,” said Kelvin Ho, a room attendant at Coast Victoria. “We are standing together because we know what we deserve: fair wages, safe workloads, and respect.”
Victoria’s hospitality industry is booming, with tourists filling hotels at record rates, yet workers say they are being left behind. The lockout is not just about a contract dispute – it is about whether workers in this city can afford to live where they work.
Despite management’s tactics, Coast Victoria workers remain strong and united on the picket line. Spirits are high, and support is growing from the community, other unions, and local organizations.
Coast Victoria workers are calling on management to end the lockout immediately and return to meaningful negotiations that address the urgent issues facing hospitality workers in Victoria.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2025-09-20 09:03:222025-09-20 09:03:22Locked Out, Not Backing Down: Coast Victoria Workers Demand Living Wages
Hotel management locked out workers early this morning following strike over living wages.
Victoria, BC — Locked out workers at Coast Victoria Hotel are calling on the NDP provincial government and Victoria City Council to back them up in their fight for living wages. After workers struck for living wages, hotel management has served workers with a lockout notice effective today.
“Victoria is where I grew up, but I am tired of being in survival mode. I can’t afford my rent and buy a car. It’s one or the other. I have had to work multiple jobs to put away money for school, otherwise I would be in a lot of debt. My co-workers and I have had enough. Getting locked out because we’re fighting for a living wage is wrong. Will the NDP government and Victoria City Council allow Coast Victoria to get away with this or will they fight for us? Are we a union town or not?” said Melissa Irvine, one of the locked-out housekeepers.
Citizens come to Victoria to have their voices heard, and many stay at Coast Victoria Hotel. The NDP and local governments collect around $40 every night guests stay in those hotel rooms. Meanwhile, hotel housekeepers are paid $15 on average to clean the toilet and change the bed sheets for each room they are assigned.
The workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, walked off the job on August 20 in a limited strike action, urging management to address longstanding concerns about living wages and working conditions. Rather than reach an agreement that ensures sustainable family-supporting hotel jobs, the hotel responded by kicking workers to the curb. The lockout affects nearly ninety workers at the hotel and the Blue Crab Seafood House.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2025-09-17 09:25:592025-09-17 09:25:59Coast Victoria Workers: “We’ve just been locked out in a union town; does the NDP Government and Victoria City Council have our backs?”
Community / Political Organizer (Temporary 3-Month Position)
UNITE HERE Local 40, BC’s union for hospitality workers, is seeking a Community / Political Organizer to build power for hospitality workers. We are committed to developing rank-and-file leadership, organizing the unorganized, and to building a strong, fighting labour union. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to working for social justice through a strong labour movement. The successful applicant we are looking for is driven, courageous, open to feedback, hard working, and a fighter with a deep commitment to social change. The position entails irregular hours including work in the evenings and weekends.
Job Duties & Skills:
collective action and build power.
campaigns.
lobbying and actions.
programs, and procedures.
contacts at all levels of the organization.
workers at their homes and other sites. Many of these locations will not be easily
accessible by public transit.
This is a temporary 3-month position with possible extensions beyond that.
Job Requirements:
Passion for and commitment to fighting for worker’s rights. Ideal candidate brings 1 year of experience as a labour/union organizer, rank and file union activist, and/or experience working with the student, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and/or environmental activist communities.
Salary: $62,000 plus car allowance.
Contact:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume outlining relevant experience and including references to [email protected]. Only candidates meeting all requirements will be contacted for interviews.
Vancouver Airport Marriott Workers Ratify First Union Contract with UNITE HERE Local 40
Richmond, BC – Workers at the Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel have overwhelmingly ratified their first union contract as members of UNITE HERE Local 40. With this contract, 90 Marriott workers will now enjoy the same union benefits as their unionized colleagues at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel next door.
The workers voted to join the union in August and, after a swift round of negotiations, have secured their first collective agreement. This agreement will be in place until 2027.
“We are grateful to Larco Hospitality for working with us to quickly reach an agreement that benefits both the workers and the hotel,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “This contract provides stability and ensures Marriott workers will share in the same strong protections and benefits as other Local 40 members in the community.”
This milestone comes on the heels of Local 40’s recent organizing victories at YVR Airport and remote work camps, further strengthening the union’s role in raising standards across BC’s hospitality industry.
UNITE HERE Local 40 advocates for 50,000 BC hospitality workers in British Columbia, including hotel, airport, and camp workers for fair wages, secure jobs, and strong workplace rights.
Media Contact: Rifat Islam – 604 619 0798 – [email protected]
Boycott Declared by BC Federation of Labour as Coast Victoria Hotel Workers Rally Against Lockout
Victoria, BC – Hundreds of workers and allies gathered yesterday at the BC Legislature in a powerful show of solidarity with locked-out Coast Victoria Hotel workers. The rally brought together unions and community members from across the province to stand with the nearly ninety hotel workers who have been locked out of their jobs for more than a month.
In a major development, Susanne Skidmore, BC Federation of Labour President, announced at the rally that the BCFED has issued a boycott of Coast Victoria Hotel until workers win a fair contract.
“There’s no excuse for locking out workers who are just fighting for safe workloads, proper staffing levels and wages high enough to let them live in the city they serve,” said Susanne Skidmore. “The BC Federation of Labour and our affiliates will not stand by while this employer disrespects its workers. We are calling on all unions, community organizations, and the public to boycott the Coast Victoria Hotel until this lockout ends.”
The rally featured support from leaders of BCGEU, HEU, and other labour unions, along with heartfelt speeches from Coast Victoria workers who shared the struggles they face in Victoria’s unaffordable housing market.
“This lockout has been devastating, but the support we received today shows us that we are not alone,” said Melissa Irvine, a housekeeper at Coast Victoria. “With the backing of the labour movement, we know we can win the respect and wages we deserve.”
Workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, began limited strike action on August 20 to urge management to pay living wages and improve working conditions. Rather than resolve the dispute, the company escalated by locking-out workers on September 17.
The boycott announcement marks an escalation of the dispute with Coast Hotels and APA Hotels & Resorts, the multinational owner of the property.
Media Contact: Rifat Islam – 604 619 0798 – [email protected]
Locked Out, Not Backing Down: Coast Victoria Workers Demand Living Wages
Victoria, BC – Ninety hospitality workers at the Coast Victoria Hotel and Blue Crab Seafood House remain locked out by their employer on day 4 of the company’s aggressive move to shut them out of their jobs. Instead of coming to the bargaining table to resolve issues of low wages, heavy workloads, and safe staffing levels, management has chosen to punish workers for demanding fairness.
“Being locked out is devastating. We want to work, but we cannot keep doing it at poverty wages that don’t cover the cost of living in Victoria,” said Melissa Irvine, a housekeeper at Coast Victoria. “This is our livelihood, and we will not back down until the hotel respects us.”
For the workers, the lockout means a sudden loss of income, uncertainty about paying rent, and the added stress of not knowing when they will be allowed to return to the jobs they have dedicated years to. Many workers are long-time employees who have built their lives in Victoria while cleaning rooms, cooking meals, and serving guests. Now, they are being told they cannot work simply because they dared to stand up for living wages.
“We will not be silenced by this lockout,” said Kelvin Ho, a room attendant at Coast Victoria. “We are standing together because we know what we deserve: fair wages, safe workloads, and respect.”
Victoria’s hospitality industry is booming, with tourists filling hotels at record rates, yet workers say they are being left behind. The lockout is not just about a contract dispute – it is about whether workers in this city can afford to live where they work.
Despite management’s tactics, Coast Victoria workers remain strong and united on the picket line. Spirits are high, and support is growing from the community, other unions, and local organizations.
Coast Victoria workers are calling on management to end the lockout immediately and return to meaningful negotiations that address the urgent issues facing hospitality workers in Victoria.
Media Contact: Rifat Islam – 604 619 0798 – [email protected]
Coast Victoria Workers: “We’ve just been locked out in a union town; does the NDP Government and Victoria City Council have our backs?”
Hotel management locked out workers early this morning following strike over living wages.
Victoria, BC — Locked out workers at Coast Victoria Hotel are calling on the NDP provincial government and Victoria City Council to back them up in their fight for living wages. After workers struck for living wages, hotel management has served workers with a lockout notice effective today.
“Victoria is where I grew up, but I am tired of being in survival mode. I can’t afford my rent and buy a car. It’s one or the other. I have had to work multiple jobs to put away money for school, otherwise I would be in a lot of debt. My co-workers and I have had enough. Getting locked out because we’re fighting for a living wage is wrong. Will the NDP government and Victoria City Council allow Coast Victoria to get away with this or will they fight for us? Are we a union town or not?” said Melissa Irvine, one of the locked-out housekeepers.
Citizens come to Victoria to have their voices heard, and many stay at Coast Victoria Hotel. The NDP and local governments collect around $40 every night guests stay in those hotel rooms. Meanwhile, hotel housekeepers are paid $15 on average to clean the toilet and change the bed sheets for each room they are assigned.
The workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, walked off the job on August 20 in a limited strike action, urging management to address longstanding concerns about living wages and working conditions. Rather than reach an agreement that ensures sustainable family-supporting hotel jobs, the hotel responded by kicking workers to the curb. The lockout affects nearly ninety workers at the hotel and the Blue Crab Seafood House.
Media Contact: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785