Just ahead of peak tourist season in Victoria, Unifor Local 4276 union members working at the Fairmont Empress Hotel have voted 99% in favour of a strike action, if deemed necessary.
According to Unifor, the Fairmont Empress is offering insufficient wages, mental health benefits and protections for gratuity earners, which has prompted this vote to strike.
Unifor says that these members are ready and willing to strike if a resolution cannot be reached by the end of April.
“The Fairmont Empress is synonymous with great service provided by Unifor members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Local 4276 members have earned a fair contract and are prepared to stand up for what they deserve.”
Though members have determined they are ready to strike, no firm strike deadline has been set. According to provincial and federal labour laws, the union is required to give 72-hours notice of strike action.
The collective agreement between the employer and the union members working at Fairmont Empress will expire this week, as their last three-year agreement was ratified on April 12th, 2023.
Unifor says this will be the first round of negotiations involving the hotel’s spa workers, who just joined Unifor in 2024.
“World-class customer service cannot be maintained without industry-leading wages and benefits,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.
“A fair contract will avoid a disruption at one of the marquee hospitality sites in Victoria as the spring tourism season ramps up.”
A spokesperson for Fairmont Empress told Victoria Buzz that the hotel remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for all throughout negotiations.
“The hotel continues to engage in the collective bargaining process in good faith, with the objective of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement that appropriately balances the interests of employees and the long-term operational sustainability of the property,” reads a statement from Fairmont Empress.
“We remain hopeful that a fair and equitable resolution can be achieved in a timely manner, allowing all parties to focus on delivering exceptional service to our guests and supporting the continued success of the hotel.”
More to come as negotiations continue.
