April 25, 2020

Dear Friend,

Here at Local 40, we’ve always been committed to building a fighting union to win respect and improve our jobs. Now, more than ever, we’re committed to doing all we can to make sure hospitality workers have enough support to weather the COVID-19 crisis. We’ve started this weekly newsletter to ensure that you get the latest information and stay connected with Local 40.

Take care,
Local 40 Staff

April 28: Hospitality Workers Town Hall on Facebook Live


Join us for a Facebook Live Town Hall and Information Session on Tuesday, April 28 at 5 pm. You do not need a Facebook account to watch the Facebook Live video and you can watch on your mobile phone. Listen to how hospitality workers are doing during the pandemic and ask about the state of our jobs, EI, CERB, safety, health insurance, recall rights, and more. We’ll also discuss how to stick together during these challenging times. The event will be hosted by President Zailda Chan and Local 40 members.

See you on Tuesday April 28, 5 pm at https://www.facebook.com/unitehere40!

Petition to Protect Workers’ Health & Recall Rights

UPDATE: Thanks to all those who have signed the petition so far! We have good news for members with union health care benefits. Trustees of the BCHA Health Fund voted to extend health coverage until June 30th. If you had coverage through this fund in April, then you will continue to have coverage in May and June. If you want to know when your benefits expire, contact (604) 294-4441 or visit this website. The Union is currently negotiating with the GVHEA hotels about an extension. More details will come to you as soon as we have them.
We are currently lobbying the provincial and federal government for our three main demands from the petition: safe workplaces, health care extension, and extended recall rights. We are also lobbying the federal government to put workers first! Please sign and continue to share the petition to ensure that the government protects workers’ health and recall rights.

COVID-19 Info & Resources


$1000 B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW)

Applications for the $1,000 B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW) open on May 1st. For more details on eligibility and how to apply, click here.

Local 40 COVID-19 Hotline Hours

Call 1-877-491-2651 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (April 27, 29, and May 1) next week from 9 am to 4 pm. We’re here to help with questions on EI, CERB, unemployment, rent, food banks, assistance programs, and more.

$2500 Interest-free Loans

Having Financial Troubles? Still waiting for your first EI or CERB cheque to arrive? A reminder that Community Savings Credit Union has a $2500 interest-free loan available. Please click here for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can part-time workers qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)? Yes, part-time workers qualify for the CERB if they are making less than $1000 per month.

If you receive both EI and CERB, do you keep both? Yes, keep both in your account for now but be prepared to return one of them in the future.

If I applied to EI after March 15 and was automatically transferred from EI to CERB, do I still need to report EI bi-weekly? We have been getting different responses so far, so we advise that you continue to report EI bi-weekly. If you wish to talk to CRA about CERB call 1-800-959-8281.

Job Opportunities for Local 40 Members


Cleaning and housekeeping jobs at Compass are open for applications at $20/hour. If you are interested, email updates@local40union.com.

Know Your Health & Safety Rights

Do you feel safe on the job during COVID-19? What health and safety practices has your employer put in place? How often do you receive regular breaks to wash your hands? Check out our Health and Safety poster and learn more about what your health and safety rights are on the job!

Victory in Kitimat!

Victory! Congrats to front desk workers at Civeo and Annex who have just joined UNITE HERE Local 40! 🥳 Local 40 member Barb Green said, “We significantly improved our wages and benefits, more than $7 an hour in our total economic package! Together with the kitchen and housekeepers, we will work together to improve our camp jobs for the long term.” Do you know anyone who is thinking of or has applied to Sodexo? Let us know by replying to this email or call 604-838-9677.

Member Spotlight: What are You Doing while Laid Off?

“Since being laid-off, I have been singing a song every day, videoing it, and posting to Facebook. My dad is in a care home in Castlegar B.C. The caretakers will show my dad the video since I cannot be there. My dad is 87 and he has dementia. They sometimes video his reactions if they have time. It fills my heart to see him as he still knows my voice. I would like to thank you and Fe and all that are working to help us all.”

– Darcy Dawson, Server, Holiday Inn Vancouver Downtown

What are you doing while you’re laid off? Let us know at sfung@local40union.com and we may include it in the next issue of the newsletter!