VANCOUVER, BC – UNITE HERE Local 40, representing hotel, food service and airport workers across Vancouver, has issued an open letter congratulating Mayor Pete Fry and newly elected members of Vancouver City Council, while urging the incoming council to make affordability a central priority of its first 100 days.
The letter highlights the growing affordability crisis facing the workers who keep Vancouver running – from hotel room attendants and cooks to restaurant servers, dishwashers and airport workers – many of whom can no longer afford to live in the city they serve.
The union is calling on Mayor Fry and Council to revisit rushed decisions made by the previous council, including approvals now facing legal challenges. Among several contentious approvals, the former ABC council majority approved Holborn Group’s supertall tower project despite public opposition and before the city completed its Higher Buildings Policy review. They also approved a hotel development that would displace tenants at Myron Manor, 75 East 8th Avenue, despite opposition from more than 300 public speakers. Residents have filed petitions for judicial review seeking to overturn both decisions.
Local 40 is also urging the new council to stand with Vancouver’s tenants by prioritizing affordable homes ahead of luxury developments and requiring substantive community benefit agreements from developers seeking city approvals.
“Vancouver voters sent a clear message that affordability must be a priority. The people who welcome visitors, serve our communities, and power our local economy should be able to afford to live in the city they work in. We are ready to work with the new mayor and council to build a Vancouver that puts residents and working people first,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2026-11-04 10:25:542026-11-04 10:25:54Press Release: UNITE HERE Local 40 Congratulates New Vancouver Mayor Pete Fry and Council, Urges Action on Affordability
After months of bargaining and rallies, workers send a clear message to hotel owner Westmont Hospitality Group: we’re ready to fight for fair wages.
Vancouver, BC – Workers at Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Hotel have voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action, with 93% voting yes in a strike vote that concluded Saturday. The result sends a clear message that workers are prepared to take job action to secure a fair agreement.
Workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 40, have been bargaining with Westmont for months and have organized multiple actions and demonstrations to push for higher wages, safer workloads and proper staffing. A key issue is the significant wage gap between Pan Pacific workers and employees at other unionized hotels in Vancouver, where hourly wages are $5 to $7 higher.
“We want Pan Pacific’s owners to hear us loud and clear: we demand a fair deal now,” said Kirsten Lebrun, server and member of the union bargaining committee. “In Canada’s most unaffordable city, we shouldn’t earn $5 to $7 less per hour than workers at other high-end hotels. Westmont must recognize our contributions to this five-star hotel and deliver a fair contract.”
The vote gives workers a strong mandate to take job action, if necessary, with workers to decide on next steps.
The prominent Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel at Canada Place is owned by an affiliate of Westmont Hospitality Group. Westmont is a global hotel operator with interests in hundreds of hotels worldwide, including the Fairmont Waterfront and Parq Casino Vancouver.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2026-10-26 13:37:012026-10-26 13:38:06Press Release: Pan Pacific Hotel Workers Vote 93% in Favour of Strike Action
Richmond, BC – Workers from YVR Airport’s White Spot and Triple O’s locations will hold a rally this Wednesday to demand living wages and fair working conditions after months of bargaining for their first collective agreement.
Last year, 80 workers at Canadian Skies Hospitality, which operates the two YVR restaurants, joined UNITE HERE Local 40. Many of the workers earn up to $5 an hour less than workers at other unionized YVR airport concessions. Management has refused to bring wages in line with other unionized operators or meaningfully address workers’ concerns over tips, scheduling, and working conditions.
With the federal government moving toward opening YVR to private investment, this dispute raises concerns about the kinds of employers who stand to benefit and whether corporate profits will be prioritized over workers’ livelihoods.
WHO: Canadian Skies Hospitality workers from YVR Airport’s White Spot and Triple O’s,
UNITE HERE Local 40 members, community supporters, and labour allies
WHEN: Wednesday, October 14, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: YVR Airport, International Arrivals Plaza, Level 2 Plaza
VISUALS: Workers and allies will be marching, carrying signs and chanting with bullhorns.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2026-10-14 12:22:422026-10-14 12:22:42YVR Workers to Rally Today for Living Wages for Canadian Skies Hospitality Workers
UNITE HERE Local 40 Executive Board, the union for hospitality workers, has
made endorsements for the Greater Victoria Area for various municipal councils.
UNITE HERE Local 40 members across Greater Victoria have had municipal and
labour leaders stand with them during strikes and contract bargaining. City of
Victoria Councilors were of special assistance over the last year.
Our Executive Board is proud to make the following endorsement for Victoria
Mayor and City Council:
Victoria Mayor:
Marianne Alto
Victoria City Council Members:
Susan Kim (Victoria For All)
Jeremy Caradona
Matt Dell
Krista Loughton
Dave Thompson
Peter Gibbs (Victoria For All)
Shona Dion
Bella Lee
Jack Sandor
School Board 61 Trustee Area 5:
Maiya Beech
Our Executive Board Council Endorsements for District Saanich Mayor and
Council:
Saanich Mayor:
Zac De Vries
Saanich Council Members:
Garnett Humenick
Kathleen Burton
Teale Phelps Bondaroff
Colin Plant
Maurico Curbelo
Natalie Chambers
School District Trustee 61 Area 6:
Darren Companion
Tracy Humphreys
Oak Bay Mayor:
Sam Holland
Oak Bay Council:
Karin Sweeney
School District Trustee 61 Trustee Area 7
Andrea Mears
Central Saanich Mayor:
Zeb King
Central Saanich Council:
Sarah Riddell
Esquimalt Mayor:
Duncan Cavens
Esquimalt Council:
Tim Morrison
Langford Council:
Colby Harder
Mary Wagner
Keith Yacucha
View Royal Council:
Sacha Christensen
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2026-10-09 12:47:242026-10-11 14:44:29Local 40 Endorsements for Greater Victoria Area Municipal Council Races
Vancouver Municipal Election: UNITE HERE Local 40 Endorses Kareem Allam for Mayor; COPE slate for Council, School Board & Park Board
UNITE HERE Local 40, the union for hospitality workers, has endorsed a slate of candidates for Vancouver Mayor and City Council.
Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40: “In this highly competitive municipal election, Local 40 endorsed candidates who listened to our members and understood the need for more affordable housing, not more hotels, so workers can afford to live in the city where they work.”
Kareem Allam, the Vancouver Liberals candidate for Mayor of Vancouver, listened to hotel workers and stood with them. He understood members’ concerns over ABC’s push to prioritize hotel development over housing affordability and backed up his words with action by showing up at City Hall multiple times to rally alongside our members to stand up for the issues that matter to working people.
Sean Orr, COPE candidate running for re-election, stood with Local 40 members in opposition to major hotel proposals, including Holborn Group’s proposed supertall luxury towers. COPE candidates put support for working people at the forefront of their agenda. Local 40 endorses the full slate of COPE candidates to Council, School Board and Parks Board.
Local 40 Endorsements for City of Vancouver
Vancouver Mayor:
Kareem ALLAM – Vancouver Liberals (#56)
Vancouver City Council:
Sean ORR – COPE (#111)
Devyani SINGH – COPE (#121)
Chloe LESLIE – COPE (#124)
Solomon YI-KIERAN – COPE (#155)
Stephanie SMITH – Greens (#147)
Annette REILLY – Greens (#102)
Camil DUMONT – Greens (119)
Jessica WALTON – Vancouver Liberals (#118)
Armor VALOR – Vancouver Liberals (#125)
Devin CLEMENS – Vancouver Liberals (#128)
School Board:
Suzie MAH – COPE (#304)
Melanie CHENG – COPE (#314)
Derrick O’ KEEFE – COPE (#323)
Gwen GIESBRECHT – COPE (#324)
Park Board:
T’uy’t’tanat Cease WYSS – COPE (#203)
Jamie HAN – COPE (#205)
Tamiko SUZUKI – COPE (#206)
Sacia BURTON – COPE (#214)
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2026-10-05 19:05:052026-10-05 19:05:05Vancouver Municipal Election: UNITE HERE Local 40 Endorses Kareem Allam for Mayor; COPE slate for Council
Press Release: UNITE HERE Local 40 Congratulates New Vancouver Mayor Pete Fry and Council, Urges Action on Affordability
VANCOUVER, BC – UNITE HERE Local 40, representing hotel, food service and airport workers across Vancouver, has issued an open letter congratulating Mayor Pete Fry and newly elected members of Vancouver City Council, while urging the incoming council to make affordability a central priority of its first 100 days.
The letter highlights the growing affordability crisis facing the workers who keep Vancouver running – from hotel room attendants and cooks to restaurant servers, dishwashers and airport workers – many of whom can no longer afford to live in the city they serve.
The union is calling on Mayor Fry and Council to revisit rushed decisions made by the previous council, including approvals now facing legal challenges. Among several contentious approvals, the former ABC council majority approved Holborn Group’s supertall tower project despite public opposition and before the city completed its Higher Buildings Policy review. They also approved a hotel development that would displace tenants at Myron Manor, 75 East 8th Avenue, despite opposition from more than 300 public speakers. Residents have filed petitions for judicial review seeking to overturn both decisions.
Local 40 is also urging the new council to stand with Vancouver’s tenants by prioritizing affordable homes ahead of luxury developments and requiring substantive community benefit agreements from developers seeking city approvals.
“Vancouver voters sent a clear message that affordability must be a priority. The people who welcome visitors, serve our communities, and power our local economy should be able to afford to live in the city they work in. We are ready to work with the new mayor and council to build a Vancouver that puts residents and working people first,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40.
Contact: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785
Press Release: Pan Pacific Hotel Workers Vote 93% in Favour of Strike Action
After months of bargaining and rallies, workers send a clear message to hotel owner Westmont Hospitality Group: we’re ready to fight for fair wages.
Vancouver, BC – Workers at Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Hotel have voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action, with 93% voting yes in a strike vote that concluded Saturday. The result sends a clear message that workers are prepared to take job action to secure a fair agreement.
Workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 40, have been bargaining with Westmont for months and have organized multiple actions and demonstrations to push for higher wages, safer workloads and proper staffing. A key issue is the significant wage gap between Pan Pacific workers and employees at other unionized hotels in Vancouver, where hourly wages are $5 to $7 higher.
“We want Pan Pacific’s owners to hear us loud and clear: we demand a fair deal now,” said Kirsten Lebrun, server and member of the union bargaining committee. “In Canada’s most unaffordable city, we shouldn’t earn $5 to $7 less per hour than workers at other high-end hotels. Westmont must recognize our contributions to this five-star hotel and deliver a fair contract.”
The vote gives workers a strong mandate to take job action, if necessary, with workers to decide on next steps.
The prominent Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel at Canada Place is owned by an affiliate of Westmont Hospitality Group. Westmont is a global hotel operator with interests in hundreds of hotels worldwide, including the Fairmont Waterfront and Parq Casino Vancouver.
Contact: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785
YVR Workers to Rally Today for Living Wages for Canadian Skies Hospitality Workers
Richmond, BC – Workers from YVR Airport’s White Spot and Triple O’s locations will hold a rally this Wednesday to demand living wages and fair working conditions after months of bargaining for their first collective agreement.
Last year, 80 workers at Canadian Skies Hospitality, which operates the two YVR restaurants, joined UNITE HERE Local 40. Many of the workers earn up to $5 an hour less than workers at other unionized YVR airport concessions. Management has refused to bring wages in line with other unionized operators or meaningfully address workers’ concerns over tips, scheduling, and working conditions.
With the federal government moving toward opening YVR to private investment, this dispute raises concerns about the kinds of employers who stand to benefit and whether corporate profits will be prioritized over workers’ livelihoods.
WHO: Canadian Skies Hospitality workers from YVR Airport’s White Spot and Triple O’s,
UNITE HERE Local 40 members, community supporters, and labour allies
WHEN: Wednesday, October 14, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: YVR Airport, International Arrivals Plaza, Level 2 Plaza
VISUALS: Workers and allies will be marching, carrying signs and chanting with bullhorns.
CONTACT: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785
Local 40 Endorsements for Greater Victoria Area Municipal Council Races
UNITE HERE Local 40 Executive Board, the union for hospitality workers, has
made endorsements for the Greater Victoria Area for various municipal councils.
UNITE HERE Local 40 members across Greater Victoria have had municipal and
labour leaders stand with them during strikes and contract bargaining. City of
Victoria Councilors were of special assistance over the last year.
Our Executive Board is proud to make the following endorsement for Victoria
Mayor and City Council:
Victoria Mayor:
Marianne Alto
Victoria City Council Members:
Susan Kim (Victoria For All)
Jeremy Caradona
Matt Dell
Krista Loughton
Dave Thompson
Peter Gibbs (Victoria For All)
Shona Dion
Bella Lee
Jack Sandor
School Board 61 Trustee Area 5:
Maiya Beech
Our Executive Board Council Endorsements for District Saanich Mayor and
Council:
Saanich Mayor:
Zac De Vries
Saanich Council Members:
Garnett Humenick
Kathleen Burton
Teale Phelps Bondaroff
Colin Plant
Maurico Curbelo
Natalie Chambers
School District Trustee 61 Area 6:
Darren Companion
Tracy Humphreys
Oak Bay Mayor:
Sam Holland
Oak Bay Council:
Karin Sweeney
School District Trustee 61 Trustee Area 7
Andrea Mears
Central Saanich Mayor:
Zeb King
Central Saanich Council:
Sarah Riddell
Esquimalt Mayor:
Duncan Cavens
Esquimalt Council:
Tim Morrison
Langford Council:
Colby Harder
Mary Wagner
Keith Yacucha
View Royal Council:
Sacha Christensen
Vancouver Municipal Election: UNITE HERE Local 40 Endorses Kareem Allam for Mayor; COPE slate for Council
Vancouver Municipal Election: UNITE HERE Local 40 Endorses Kareem Allam for Mayor; COPE slate for Council, School Board & Park Board
UNITE HERE Local 40, the union for hospitality workers, has endorsed a slate of candidates for Vancouver Mayor and City Council.
Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40: “In this highly competitive municipal election, Local 40 endorsed candidates who listened to our members and understood the need for more affordable housing, not more hotels, so workers can afford to live in the city where they work.”
Kareem Allam, the Vancouver Liberals candidate for Mayor of Vancouver, listened to hotel workers and stood with them. He understood members’ concerns over ABC’s push to prioritize hotel development over housing affordability and backed up his words with action by showing up at City Hall multiple times to rally alongside our members to stand up for the issues that matter to working people.
Sean Orr, COPE candidate running for re-election, stood with Local 40 members in opposition to major hotel proposals, including Holborn Group’s proposed supertall luxury towers. COPE candidates put support for working people at the forefront of their agenda. Local 40 endorses the full slate of COPE candidates to Council, School Board and Parks Board.
Local 40 Endorsements for City of Vancouver
Vancouver Mayor:
Kareem ALLAM – Vancouver Liberals (#56)
Vancouver City Council:
Sean ORR – COPE (#111)
Devyani SINGH – COPE (#121)
Chloe LESLIE – COPE (#124)
Solomon YI-KIERAN – COPE (#155)
Stephanie SMITH – Greens (#147)
Annette REILLY – Greens (#102)
Camil DUMONT – Greens (119)
Jessica WALTON – Vancouver Liberals (#118)
Armor VALOR – Vancouver Liberals (#125)
Devin CLEMENS – Vancouver Liberals (#128)
School Board:
Suzie MAH – COPE (#304)
Melanie CHENG – COPE (#314)
Derrick O’ KEEFE – COPE (#323)
Gwen GIESBRECHT – COPE (#324)
Park Board:
T’uy’t’tanat Cease WYSS – COPE (#203)
Jamie HAN – COPE (#205)
Tamiko SUZUKI – COPE (#206)
Sacia BURTON – COPE (#214)