Workers at Victoria’s iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel could be on the picket line as early as this weekend after Unifor Local 4276 served strike notice.
The union announced Thursday that workers could begin strike action at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 6th, if a new collective agreement is not reached.
According to Unifor, the notice comes after what it describes as limited movement at the bargaining table following a near-unanimous strike vote earlier this spring.
“Our members voted clearly for a mandate, and the employer responded with very little movement at the table,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne in a statement.
“The time to bargain a resolution is right now.”
More than 600 workers are represented by the union at the Fairmont Empress, including employees in housekeeping, front desk operations, maintenance, banquet services and other departments.
The strike notice follows a 99% strike mandate approved by workers on April 1st, which Unifor previously described as the strongest strike vote in the hotel’s history.
At the time, the union said key issues included wages, mental health benefits and protections for employees who rely on gratuities as part of their income.
“These workers show up every day to keep this prestige hotel running smoothly for guests,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.
“A strike on June 6 is avoidable, but only if the employer acts now.”
The potential job action comes as Victoria enters one of its busiest tourism periods of the year. When workers voted in favour of strike action in April, Fairmont Empress told Victoria Buzz it remained committed to reaching a negotiated settlement.
“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,” the hotel said in a statement at the time.
The hotel also said it remained hopeful that a fair and equitable resolution could be reached while continuing to provide service to guests.
Under BC labour laws, unions are required to provide 72 hours notice before beginning legal strike action.
As of Thursday afternoon, it remains unclear whether negotiations are continuing ahead of Saturday’s deadline.
More to come.
With files from Curtis Blandy
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