Labour Board issues cease and desist order against Larco Hospitality affiliates
Vancouver, BC — The BC Labour Board has ordered the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, the Hilton Vancouver Airport, and the Vancouver Airport Marriott to stop contracting shuttle bus companies and paying taxi drivers to perform the work of striking employees. The Board issued the ruling in favour of UNITE HERE Local 40, which represents the strikers.
Sheraton Airport workers, including shuttle bus drivers, have been on strike since June 14. The three hotels breached the labour code by using contracted shuttle bus companies, by directly paying cab drivers, and by reimbursing guests for taxi services between the airport and the hotels. Larco Hospitality operates the three hotels which are in the same complex. The Board ordered the employer to cease and desist from paying these non-union drivers to transport guests to and from the hotels.
The Vice Chair ruled that the three hotels are controlled by a common employer in this decision. The order was issued on June 30. This is the second time in as many weeks the employer has violated the labour code by using replacement workers.
The BC Federation of Labour has declared a public boycott of the three hotels, Sheraton Vancouver Airport, where workers are on strike, and the non-union Hilton Vancouver Airport and Vancouver Airport Marriott next door.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2023-07-04 13:10:202023-07-04 13:11:52BREAKING: Company violated law by paying non-union drivers to transport guests from airport to Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Vancouver Airport Marriott, and Hilton Vancouver Airport during strike
Richmond, BC – TODAY NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will visit Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport and Sheraton Vancouver Airport hotel picket lines in support of striking workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 40. With Canada Day weekend kicking off the busy summer tourist season, hotels are booming again but hotel workers are falling behind in the economic recovery.
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport (formerly Pacific Gateway): Workers have been on strike for over 2 years – the longest hotel strike in B.C. history. During the pandemic, the hotel terminated 143 long-term staff, mostly women and people of colour. While the hotel was being used as a federal quarantine facility, the owner’s mass terminations forced out 70% of hotel staff, while the remaining workers struck in May 2021. The owner, an affiliate of PHI Hotel Group, refuses to recall workers to their jobs as other area hotels have done.
Sheraton Vancouver Airport: Workers walked off the job on June 14 and are entering the third week of the strike. The hotel remained open during the pandemic with staff serving on the front lines. With Richmond hotels now booming, workers ask “Where’s our recovery?” as wages at the top convention hotel have not kept up with rising cost of living in Metro Vancouver. Last week, the BC Labour Board declared that the employer, Larco Hospitality, violated B.C.’s anti-scab law and used unlawful replacement workers.
The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) has declared a public boycott of Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport and Sheraton Vancouver Airport. The official boycott extends to the Sheraton’s sister hotels next door – the Hilton Vancouver Airport and Marriott Vancouver Airport – which are operated by the same company.
WHO: MP Jagmeet Singh with striking workers, joined by Hermender Singh Kailley, Secretary-Treasurer of the BCFED and other community allies from across the lower mainland.
WHEN: TODAY, Friday, June 30
11:00 A.M. at Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel (3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond)
11:45 A.M. at Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel (7551 Westminster Hwy, Richmond)
VISUALS: MP Jagmeet Singh,hotel workers and community allies chanting, marching, and speaking with colourful banners, signs, and bullhorns. Striking hotel workers and UNITE HERE Local 40 representatives will be made available for interviews.
Media Contact: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40.com
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2023-06-30 08:59:292023-06-30 09:00:56Media Advisory: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh to Walk Richmond Picket Lines on Canada Day Weekend
Vancouver, BC — The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) has declared a public boycott of the Sheraton Vancouver Airport, in support of hundreds of UNITE HERE Local 40 members currently on strike at the top convention hotel. The official boycott extends to its sister hotels next door – the Hilton Vancouver Airport and Marriott Vancouver Airport – which are operated by the same company.
“Our movement doesn’t use boycotts lightly. But when an employer repeatedly treats their workers with callous disrespect and appalling unfairness, a boycott is exactly the right response. UNITE HERE Local 40 workers deserve our full support — and this employer doesn’t deserve a dime of our business,” said Sussanne Skidmore, President of the BC Federation of Labour.
Officers of the BCFED, representing nearly fifty affiliated unions with approximately 500,000 members across the province, voted to declare the boycott on June 23. The BCFED is urging affiliates and the broader public to seek alternative accommodation and not conduct any business with the three hotels until an agreement is reached between the employer and the striking workers.
The strike on the Sheraton hotel is into its second week. UNITE HERE Local 40 members are picketing for living wages as Vancouver airport hotel room revenues have surged to record highs.
“We are grateful for the support and solidarity from the BCFED. This boycott sends a strong message to the employer that hotel workers will not be ignored – our members will continue in their fight for living wages, supported by our allies, until they win the respect and fair contract they deserve,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40.
The decision to support the boycott comes on the heels of a ruling by the BC Labour Board last week declaring that the Sheraton Vancouver Airport violated labour laws by using unlawful replacement workers to perform bargaining unit work of striking workers. The Labour Board ordered management to cease and desist and to provide a daily list of all permissible replacement workers that are performing bargaining unit work on that day, with their specific assignments and duties.
“We urge all union members and every worker to give their valuable business to hotels that respect working people,” said Skidmore.
Workers are picketing the Sheraton Vancouver Airport daily from 7am to 7pm. UNITE HERE Local 40 members at the Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport (formerly Pacific Gateway) in Richmond also remain on strike; the BC Federation is continuing its boycott of that hotel. Prospective customers are advised to book at these alternative airport hotels: River Rock Casino Resort, Radisson Hotel on Cambie, or go to FairHotel.org.
Media Contacts: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40.com, or Michelle Travis, 778-960-9785, mtravis@unitehere.org.
###
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2023-06-26 11:49:272023-06-26 11:49:27Breaking: BCFED Issues Boycott of Three Vancouver Airport Hotels Following Labour Code Violation
Vancouver, BC —The BC Labour Relations Board has declared that the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel violated the Labour Code; the hotel used six unlawful replacement workers to perform bargaining unit work of UNITE HERE Local 40 members who are on strike.
The Labour Board has ordered the employer to cease and desist using any impermissible workers to perform the work of any bargaining unit employee that is on strike. It has also ordered that the hotel provide the Union with daily a list of all permissible replacement workers that are performing bargaining unit work on that day, with their specific assignments and duties.
“The hotel’s illegal use of replacement workers to do the jobs of our striking members showcases the lack of respect management has for its long-term workforce and what they contribute to this hotel. It also disrespects hotel guests who deserve to be provided with excellent customer service for the price they are paying – and instead are staying in a hotel with significantly scaled back guest services. We urge management to bargain with the Union and seriously address workers’ concern for livable wages, so our members can get back to work,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40.
Sheraton Airport workers walked off the job on Wednesday, June 14, in a tense labour dispute over the hotel’s refusal to pay their staff a living wage. Many of the workers are struggling to keep up with the escalating cost of living in Metro Vancouver, with some working multiple jobs. The workers are picketing outside of the property daily from 7am to 7pm and advising the public to boycott Sheraton Vancouver Airport and its sister hotels next door, Hilton Vancouver Airport and Marriott Vancouver Airport, which are operated by the same company.
Media Contact: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40.com
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2023-06-23 15:06:332023-06-23 15:06:33Sheraton Vancouver Airport Caught Violating Labour Code during Tense Strike
Website informs public about ongoing labour dispute and treatment of women
Vancouver, BC – UNITE HERE Local 40 has launched a new website, www.BoycottRadissonBluYVR.ca, to inform leisure and corporate travellers, tour groups, and wedding planners about the protracted labour dispute and treatment of women at Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport.
Workers have been on strike at this hotel for two years. The Union is advising customers to boycott the Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport and book with alternative hotels until workers are recalled with a fair contract.
The website provides background into the dispute which began when the employer, PHI Hotel Group, terminated 143 workers during the pandemic and refused to recall them to their jobs as tourism recovered. Meanwhile, the employer raked in millions of taxpayer dollars when they allowed the hotel to be used as a mandatory quarantine site. The remaining workers went on strike in May 2021.
The website informs prospective guests about the disproportionate impact of the terminations on women, many of whom are from immigrant communities. Approximately 90% of the hotel’s housekeeping staff was terminated as were most of the restaurant staff.
“For 17 years, I worked at the hotel until they took advantage of the pandemic to fire 90% of its housekeeping staff. We made the hotel successful. We don’t deserve to be treated like we’re disposable,” said Kiran Dhillon, one of the affected room attendants.
The site advises hotel customers that current services at the 400-room hotel are limited given the impact of the mass terminations and ongoing strike.
Richmond City Council has resolved not to use the hotel until an agreement has been reached with the workers. The BC Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress have endorsed a hotel boycott. Visitors to the website will find information about fair hotels to consider using for alternative bookings.
The hotel, formerly Pacific Gateway, was recently rebranded as a Radisson Blu. It is majority owned by an affiliate of Surrey-based PHI Hotel Group which also operates hotels in B.C. and Alberta.
Media Contacts: Michelle Travis, 778-960-9785, mtravis@unitehere.org, or Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40com.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2023-06-20 13:04:072023-06-20 13:05:05UNITE HERE Launches Website Advising Customers of Strike at Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport
BREAKING: Company violated law by paying non-union drivers to transport guests from airport to Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Vancouver Airport Marriott, and Hilton Vancouver Airport during strike
Labour Board issues cease and desist order against Larco Hospitality affiliates
Vancouver, BC — The BC Labour Board has ordered the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, the Hilton Vancouver Airport, and the Vancouver Airport Marriott to stop contracting shuttle bus companies and paying taxi drivers to perform the work of striking employees. The Board issued the ruling in favour of UNITE HERE Local 40, which represents the strikers.
Sheraton Airport workers, including shuttle bus drivers, have been on strike since June 14. The three hotels breached the labour code by using contracted shuttle bus companies, by directly paying cab drivers, and by reimbursing guests for taxi services between the airport and the hotels. Larco Hospitality operates the three hotels which are in the same complex. The Board ordered the employer to cease and desist from paying these non-union drivers to transport guests to and from the hotels.
The Vice Chair ruled that the three hotels are controlled by a common employer in this decision. The order was issued on June 30. This is the second time in as many weeks the employer has violated the labour code by using replacement workers.
The BC Federation of Labour has declared a public boycott of the three hotels, Sheraton Vancouver Airport, where workers are on strike, and the non-union Hilton Vancouver Airport and Vancouver Airport Marriott next door.
CONTACT: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40.com.
Media Advisory: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh to Walk Richmond Picket Lines on Canada Day Weekend
Richmond, BC – TODAY NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will visit Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport and Sheraton Vancouver Airport hotel picket lines in support of striking workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 40. With Canada Day weekend kicking off the busy summer tourist season, hotels are booming again but hotel workers are falling behind in the economic recovery.
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport (formerly Pacific Gateway): Workers have been on strike for over 2 years – the longest hotel strike in B.C. history. During the pandemic, the hotel terminated 143 long-term staff, mostly women and people of colour. While the hotel was being used as a federal quarantine facility, the owner’s mass terminations forced out 70% of hotel staff, while the remaining workers struck in May 2021. The owner, an affiliate of PHI Hotel Group, refuses to recall workers to their jobs as other area hotels have done.
Sheraton Vancouver Airport: Workers walked off the job on June 14 and are entering the third week of the strike. The hotel remained open during the pandemic with staff serving on the front lines. With Richmond hotels now booming, workers ask “Where’s our recovery?” as wages at the top convention hotel have not kept up with rising cost of living in Metro Vancouver. Last week, the BC Labour Board declared that the employer, Larco Hospitality, violated B.C.’s anti-scab law and used unlawful replacement workers.
The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) has declared a public boycott of Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport and Sheraton Vancouver Airport. The official boycott extends to the Sheraton’s sister hotels next door – the Hilton Vancouver Airport and Marriott Vancouver Airport – which are operated by the same company.
WHO: MP Jagmeet Singh with striking workers, joined by Hermender Singh Kailley, Secretary-Treasurer of the BCFED and other community allies from across the lower mainland.
WHEN: TODAY, Friday, June 30
11:00 A.M. at Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel (3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond)
11:45 A.M. at Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel (7551 Westminster Hwy, Richmond)
VISUALS: MP Jagmeet Singh, hotel workers and community allies chanting, marching, and speaking with colourful banners, signs, and bullhorns. Striking hotel workers and UNITE HERE Local 40 representatives will be made available for interviews.
Media Contact: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40.com
Breaking: BCFED Issues Boycott of Three Vancouver Airport Hotels Following Labour Code Violation
For Immediate Release
Vancouver, BC — The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) has declared a public boycott of the Sheraton Vancouver Airport, in support of hundreds of UNITE HERE Local 40 members currently on strike at the top convention hotel. The official boycott extends to its sister hotels next door – the Hilton Vancouver Airport and Marriott Vancouver Airport – which are operated by the same company.
“Our movement doesn’t use boycotts lightly. But when an employer repeatedly treats their workers with callous disrespect and appalling unfairness, a boycott is exactly the right response. UNITE HERE Local 40 workers deserve our full support — and this employer doesn’t deserve a dime of our business,” said Sussanne Skidmore, President of the BC Federation of Labour.
Officers of the BCFED, representing nearly fifty affiliated unions with approximately 500,000 members across the province, voted to declare the boycott on June 23. The BCFED is urging affiliates and the broader public to seek alternative accommodation and not conduct any business with the three hotels until an agreement is reached between the employer and the striking workers.
The strike on the Sheraton hotel is into its second week. UNITE HERE Local 40 members are picketing for living wages as Vancouver airport hotel room revenues have surged to record highs.
“We are grateful for the support and solidarity from the BCFED. This boycott sends a strong message to the employer that hotel workers will not be ignored – our members will continue in their fight for living wages, supported by our allies, until they win the respect and fair contract they deserve,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40.
The decision to support the boycott comes on the heels of a ruling by the BC Labour Board last week declaring that the Sheraton Vancouver Airport violated labour laws by using unlawful replacement workers to perform bargaining unit work of striking workers. The Labour Board ordered management to cease and desist and to provide a daily list of all permissible replacement workers that are performing bargaining unit work on that day, with their specific assignments and duties.
“We urge all union members and every worker to give their valuable business to hotels that respect working people,” said Skidmore.
Workers are picketing the Sheraton Vancouver Airport daily from 7am to 7pm. UNITE HERE Local 40 members at the Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport (formerly Pacific Gateway) in Richmond also remain on strike; the BC Federation is continuing its boycott of that hotel. Prospective customers are advised to book at these alternative airport hotels: River Rock Casino Resort, Radisson Hotel on Cambie, or go to FairHotel.org.
Media Contacts: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40.com, or Michelle Travis, 778-960-9785, mtravis@unitehere.org.
###
Sheraton Vancouver Airport Caught Violating Labour Code during Tense Strike
Employer violated B.C.’s anti-scab law
Vancouver, BC —The BC Labour Relations Board has declared that the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel violated the Labour Code; the hotel used six unlawful replacement workers to perform bargaining unit work of UNITE HERE Local 40 members who are on strike.
The Labour Board has ordered the employer to cease and desist using any impermissible workers to perform the work of any bargaining unit employee that is on strike. It has also ordered that the hotel provide the Union with daily a list of all permissible replacement workers that are performing bargaining unit work on that day, with their specific assignments and duties.
“The hotel’s illegal use of replacement workers to do the jobs of our striking members showcases the lack of respect management has for its long-term workforce and what they contribute to this hotel. It also disrespects hotel guests who deserve to be provided with excellent customer service for the price they are paying – and instead are staying in a hotel with significantly scaled back guest services. We urge management to bargain with the Union and seriously address workers’ concern for livable wages, so our members can get back to work,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40.
Sheraton Airport workers walked off the job on Wednesday, June 14, in a tense labour dispute over the hotel’s refusal to pay their staff a living wage. Many of the workers are struggling to keep up with the escalating cost of living in Metro Vancouver, with some working multiple jobs. The workers are picketing outside of the property daily from 7am to 7pm and advising the public to boycott Sheraton Vancouver Airport and its sister hotels next door, Hilton Vancouver Airport and Marriott Vancouver Airport, which are operated by the same company.
Media Contact: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40.com
UNITE HERE Launches Website Advising Customers of Strike at Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport
Website informs public about ongoing labour dispute and treatment of women
Vancouver, BC – UNITE HERE Local 40 has launched a new website, www.BoycottRadissonBluYVR.ca, to inform leisure and corporate travellers, tour groups, and wedding planners about the protracted labour dispute and treatment of women at Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport.
Workers have been on strike at this hotel for two years. The Union is advising customers to boycott the Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport and book with alternative hotels until workers are recalled with a fair contract.
The website provides background into the dispute which began when the employer, PHI Hotel Group, terminated 143 workers during the pandemic and refused to recall them to their jobs as tourism recovered. Meanwhile, the employer raked in millions of taxpayer dollars when they allowed the hotel to be used as a mandatory quarantine site. The remaining workers went on strike in May 2021.
The website informs prospective guests about the disproportionate impact of the terminations on women, many of whom are from immigrant communities. Approximately 90% of the hotel’s housekeeping staff was terminated as were most of the restaurant staff.
“For 17 years, I worked at the hotel until they took advantage of the pandemic to fire 90% of its housekeeping staff. We made the hotel successful. We don’t deserve to be treated like we’re disposable,” said Kiran Dhillon, one of the affected room attendants.
The site advises hotel customers that current services at the 400-room hotel are limited given the impact of the mass terminations and ongoing strike.
Richmond City Council has resolved not to use the hotel until an agreement has been reached with the workers. The BC Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress have endorsed a hotel boycott. Visitors to the website will find information about fair hotels to consider using for alternative bookings.
The hotel, formerly Pacific Gateway, was recently rebranded as a Radisson Blu. It is majority owned by an affiliate of Surrey-based PHI Hotel Group which also operates hotels in B.C. and Alberta.
URLs:
www.BoycottRadissonBluYVR.ca
www.RadissonBluYVRHurtsWomen.ca
Media Contacts: Michelle Travis, 778-960-9785, mtravis@unitehere.org, or Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, sharan@unitehere40com.