Over 140 hotel workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford hotel in Surrey walked off the job Saturday.
Unifor Local 3000 members say they have been without a contract since April 2024. After more than a year of bargaining, workers have voted to reject a tentative agreement.
The union’s national president, Lana Payne, says the strike is about “fairness, respect, and economic justice.”
“Our members deserve better and are trying to catch up,” Payne said.
“These workers kept the doors open during some of the most challenging years in hospitality. Now, they’re standing together to demand better wages in the face of a skyrocketing cost of living in the Lower Mainland.”
Gavin McGarrigle, the regional director of Unifor Western, says workers are taking a stand not just for themselves but for all workers in the hospitality industry.
In a statement, Pacific Reach told 1130 NewsRadio that the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford hotel will remain in operation and guests will be informed as the situation progresses.
“The most recent round of contract talks over the past few weeks led to mediation,” the statement said.
“However, that process reached an impasse several days ago. The union then conducted a strike vote, which has led to pickets being put up outside the hotel. The hotel remains optimistic an agreement will eventually be reached.”
Unifor Local 3000 represents 120 full-time and 24 part-time workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford hotel, which is owned by Pacific Reach Properties, an investment firm based in Vancouver.
Last year, workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond ended a 14-month strike. The hotel workers, represented by Unite Here Local 40, ratified an agreement in August, securing a 30.5 per cent wage increase.