Burnaby, B.C. — Hilton Metrotown hotel workers locked out since April 15, 2021, voted today to ratify a new contract by a 98% yes vote. The vote to approve this groundbreaking three-year collective bargaining agreement ends the picket line outside of the hotel and returns staff to their jobs. The 391-day lockout at Hilton Metrotown has been the longest hotel lockout in B.C.’s history.
Hilton Metrotown workers won full recall rights for 97 terminated workers without loss of seniority or wages. Reinstating workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic was a top issue during the labour dispute. The new agreement preserves housekeeping jobs and restores daily room cleaning which will help ensure safer workloads and improve guest experience. Other achievements include wage increases plus a special bonus, protection of union health and pension benefits, new protection for gratuities, and stronger recall protections for the future. The new collective agreement expires on May 31, 2025.
Liza Secretaria, a night auditor and union bargaining committee member from Hilton Metrotown: “I feel so proud of myself and my co-workers. We went through so much together during the lockout and the pandemic, but we’re stronger than ever now that we have fought for our co-workers to return and won a fair contract. Thank you to everyone who supported us. I am very excited to return to my job and serve guests again. We have shown Hilton Metrotown and other hotels in B.C. that hotel workers will stand up for respect and justice to raise standards in the industry.”
Sergio Moyer, Guest Services Lead and union bargaining committee member from Hilton Metrotown: “I’m so proud of the solidarity of our members, the community, and the labour movement for their support and strength in achieving this win. We’re ready to return to the Hilton Metrotown to do what we do best: serving our guests. Today marks a monumental day for our union as we’ve been fighting on the picket line for 391 days straight. We are overjoyed with the response to the ratification and results.”
Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40: “Hilton Metrotown workers stayed united on the picket line for over a year, truly exemplifying the meaning of solidarity. This was a hard-fought victory and the new contract sets us on a positive path with the hotel. Workers mobilized massive community support to boycott the hotel and sent a strong message to the hospitality industry that no worker should be treated like they’re disposable.”
Across B.C., workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 40 have won the right to return to their pre-pandemic jobs. With a settlement secured at Hilton Metrotown, the Pacific Gateway Hotel remains an outlier. Local 40 will hold a rally to mark the one-year long strike at Pacific Gateway Hotel on May 12, 2022. Pacific Gateway terminated 70% of its workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and demanded drastic rollbacks similar to what workers fought back at Hilton Metrotown.
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
Richmond, BC — Pacific Gateway hotel workers will rally Thursday to commemorate one year of being on strike. Workers have been on the picket line every day, through rain, snow, and heat, since May 3, 2021, to fight back against mass terminations and economic rollbacks. During the pandemic, Pacific Gateway terminated 143 staff, mostly women and some with up to 45 years of service, while the hotel was used as a federal quarantine site. The federal government left the hotel earlier this year after workers urged them to move.
While a tentative agreement with Hilton Metrotown has been reached to resolve that year-long labour dispute, Pacific Gateway, owned by PHI Hotel Group, has refused to recall terminated staff to the hotel.
WHO: Striking Pacific Gateway hotel workers and community allies from across the lower mainland.
WHERE:5300 Cessna Drive, Richmond BC
WHEN:Thursday, May 12 at 5:00 P.M.
VISUALS: Hotel workers and community allies chanting, marching, and speaking with colourful banners, signs, and bullhorns.
Striking Pacific Gateway hotel workers and UNITE HERE Local 40 representatives will be made available for interviews.
For additional information, please contact: Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, [email protected]
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UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2022-05-11 06:47:112022-05-11 06:47:11Pacific Gateway Hotel Workers Mark 1-Year Strike with Mass Action
Burnaby, B.C. — Hilton Metrotown workers locked out one year ago reached a tentative agreement at 1AM this morning after two days of mediation. Workers will vote to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement tomorrow, Wednesday May 11. If approved, the labour dispute will end on Wednesday and a process for returning to work will begin on Thursday.
More details to come after ratification.
For additional information, please contact:
Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, [email protected] or Michelle Travis, 778-960-9785, [email protected]
-30-
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
Burnaby, B.C. — Today, Hilton Metrotown workers held a mass rally to commemorate B.C.’s longest hotel worker lockout where they have picketed for 365 days straight. Over 400 people, including locked out Hilton Metrotown workers, elected officials, other area hotel workers and allies, marched on a massive picket line, calling for hotel owner DSDL Canada Investments — a subsidiary of Seoul-based DSDL Co. — to resolve the lockout and bring workers back ahead of tourism rebounding this spring.
During the pandemic, Hilton Metrotown terminated 97 workers before locking the rest out in April 2021. Many of those affected are women and people of colour who served the hotel since it opened 21 years ago. Hilton Metrotown workers are represented by UNITE HERE Local 40.
At the rally, workers pledged to continue their efforts picketing in front of the hotel and reaching out to customers to urge them to go elsewhere. Since the lockout began, customer groups such as the B.C. Touring Council have moved events and stayed away from the hotel until its owner resolves the lockout. The BC Federation of Labour endorsed a customer boycott of the hotel in 2021, and $2 million worth of union customer business is estimated to have been lost since the lockout began. Lufthansa crew members moved their accommodations away from the hotel last year.
“Every day I am on the picket line, I have many ‘what if’ thoughts running through my head. What will happen tomorrow? Will I still be on the picket line next year? What if I have to find another job? It’s been stressful, but I’m not giving up, even after one year. I know that the final destination is yet to come. Together, we workers will stay strong. We will continue to urge customers not to stay at this hotel. Hilton Metrotown, it is time to end the lockout now,” said Angelica Hernandez, a locked out banquet server who served the hotel for 21 years.
“At a time when the hotel industry is asking for government support to alleviate labour shortages, Hilton Metrotown is refusing to return their long-term staff who want to work. Workers will continue to reach out to customers and investors, and picket the hotel for as long as it takes!” said Zailda Chan, president of UNITE HERE Local 40.
“This has been a long and drawn out bargaining process, which has now stretched on for a full calendar year. It is past due that we find a resolution which recognizes the hard work, dedication and commitment that Hilton Metrotown staff have exhibited through their work for years,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “ I express my steadfast solidarity and support with Hilton Metrotown workers, valued members of our community who deserve respect and fairness.”
For additional information, please contact: Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, [email protected]
-30-
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2022-04-14 19:40:262022-04-14 19:40:26Hilton Metrotown Workers Rally to Mark 1-Year Lockout and Pledge to Continue Urging Customers to Cancel Bookings at Hotel
Hilton Metrotown Workers Win Contract Ending B.C.’s Longest Hotel Lockout
97 Terminated Staff Win Right to Return to Jobs
Burnaby, B.C. — Hilton Metrotown hotel workers locked out since April 15, 2021, voted today to ratify a new contract by a 98% yes vote. The vote to approve this groundbreaking three-year collective bargaining agreement ends the picket line outside of the hotel and returns staff to their jobs. The 391-day lockout at Hilton Metrotown has been the longest hotel lockout in B.C.’s history.
Hilton Metrotown workers won full recall rights for 97 terminated workers without loss of seniority or wages. Reinstating workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic was a top issue during the labour dispute. The new agreement preserves housekeeping jobs and restores daily room cleaning which will help ensure safer workloads and improve guest experience. Other achievements include wage increases plus a special bonus, protection of union health and pension benefits, new protection for gratuities, and stronger recall protections for the future. The new collective agreement expires on May 31, 2025.
Liza Secretaria, a night auditor and union bargaining committee member from Hilton Metrotown: “I feel so proud of myself and my co-workers. We went through so much together during the lockout and the pandemic, but we’re stronger than ever now that we have fought for our co-workers to return and won a fair contract. Thank you to everyone who supported us. I am very excited to return to my job and serve guests again. We have shown Hilton Metrotown and other hotels in B.C. that hotel workers will stand up for respect and justice to raise standards in the industry.”
Sergio Moyer, Guest Services Lead and union bargaining committee member from Hilton Metrotown: “I’m so proud of the solidarity of our members, the community, and the labour movement for their support and strength in achieving this win. We’re ready to return to the Hilton Metrotown to do what we do best: serving our guests. Today marks a monumental day for our union as we’ve been fighting on the picket line for 391 days straight. We are overjoyed with the response to the ratification and results.”
Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40: “Hilton Metrotown workers stayed united on the picket line for over a year, truly exemplifying the meaning of solidarity. This was a hard-fought victory and the new contract sets us on a positive path with the hotel. Workers mobilized massive community support to boycott the hotel and sent a strong message to the hospitality industry that no worker should be treated like they’re disposable.”
Across B.C., workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 40 have won the right to return to their pre-pandemic jobs. With a settlement secured at Hilton Metrotown, the Pacific Gateway Hotel remains an outlier. Local 40 will hold a rally to mark the one-year long strike at Pacific Gateway Hotel on May 12, 2022. Pacific Gateway terminated 70% of its workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and demanded drastic rollbacks similar to what workers fought back at Hilton Metrotown.
Contact: Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, [email protected]
###
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
Pacific Gateway Hotel Workers Mark 1-Year Strike with Mass Action
Richmond, BC — Pacific Gateway hotel workers will rally Thursday to commemorate one year of being on strike. Workers have been on the picket line every day, through rain, snow, and heat, since May 3, 2021, to fight back against mass terminations and economic rollbacks. During the pandemic, Pacific Gateway terminated 143 staff, mostly women and some with up to 45 years of service, while the hotel was used as a federal quarantine site. The federal government left the hotel earlier this year after workers urged them to move.
While a tentative agreement with Hilton Metrotown has been reached to resolve that year-long labour dispute, Pacific Gateway, owned by PHI Hotel Group, has refused to recall terminated staff to the hotel.
WHO: Striking Pacific Gateway hotel workers and community allies from across the lower mainland.
WHERE: 5300 Cessna Drive, Richmond BC
WHEN: Thursday, May 12 at 5:00 P.M.
VISUALS: Hotel workers and community allies chanting, marching, and speaking with colourful banners, signs, and bullhorns.
Striking Pacific Gateway hotel workers and UNITE HERE Local 40 representatives will be made available for interviews.
For additional information, please contact:
Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, [email protected]
-30-
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
Breaking: Locked out Hilton Metrotown Workers Reach Tentative Agreement
Burnaby, B.C. — Hilton Metrotown workers locked out one year ago reached a tentative agreement at 1AM this morning after two days of mediation. Workers will vote to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement tomorrow, Wednesday May 11. If approved, the labour dispute will end on Wednesday and a process for returning to work will begin on Thursday.
More details to come after ratification.
For additional information, please contact:
Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, [email protected] or Michelle Travis, 778-960-9785, [email protected]
-30-
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
Protected:
Hilton Metrotown Workers Rally to Mark 1-Year Lockout and Pledge to Continue Urging Customers to Cancel Bookings at Hotel
Burnaby, B.C. — Today, Hilton Metrotown workers held a mass rally to commemorate B.C.’s longest hotel worker lockout where they have picketed for 365 days straight. Over 400 people, including locked out Hilton Metrotown workers, elected officials, other area hotel workers and allies, marched on a massive picket line, calling for hotel owner DSDL Canada Investments — a subsidiary of Seoul-based DSDL Co. — to resolve the lockout and bring workers back ahead of tourism rebounding this spring.
During the pandemic, Hilton Metrotown terminated 97 workers before locking the rest out in April 2021. Many of those affected are women and people of colour who served the hotel since it opened 21 years ago. Hilton Metrotown workers are represented by UNITE HERE Local 40.
At the rally, workers pledged to continue their efforts picketing in front of the hotel and reaching out to customers to urge them to go elsewhere. Since the lockout began, customer groups such as the B.C. Touring Council have moved events and stayed away from the hotel until its owner resolves the lockout. The BC Federation of Labour endorsed a customer boycott of the hotel in 2021, and $2 million worth of union customer business is estimated to have been lost since the lockout began. Lufthansa crew members moved their accommodations away from the hotel last year.
“Every day I am on the picket line, I have many ‘what if’ thoughts running through my head. What will happen tomorrow? Will I still be on the picket line next year? What if I have to find another job? It’s been stressful, but I’m not giving up, even after one year. I know that the final destination is yet to come. Together, we workers will stay strong. We will continue to urge customers not to stay at this hotel. Hilton Metrotown, it is time to end the lockout now,” said Angelica Hernandez, a locked out banquet server who served the hotel for 21 years.
“At a time when the hotel industry is asking for government support to alleviate labour shortages, Hilton Metrotown is refusing to return their long-term staff who want to work. Workers will continue to reach out to customers and investors, and picket the hotel for as long as it takes!” said Zailda Chan, president of UNITE HERE Local 40.
“This has been a long and drawn out bargaining process, which has now stretched on for a full calendar year. It is past due that we find a resolution which recognizes the hard work, dedication and commitment that Hilton Metrotown staff have exhibited through their work for years,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “ I express my steadfast solidarity and support with Hilton Metrotown workers, valued members of our community who deserve respect and fairness.”
For additional information, please contact:
Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, [email protected]
-30-
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.