Contract talks have broken off between Victoria’s Fairmont Empress hotel and the union representing its workers.
Unifor said Friday the two sides were set to meet this week, but talks collapsed after the company failed to move on key issues at the table.
“Fairmont Empress workers set the standard in BC’s hotel sector, and they deserve a contract that reflects that,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne in a statement. “Our members are facing real pressure from the cost of living, and they’ve delivered a record strike vote. The company needs to respond with a fair offer.”
Unifor Local 4276 said earlier this month that members had voted 99 per cent in favour of job action if negotiations with the employer cannot achieve a new contract. No strike deadline has been set.Â
The union said some key sticking points in the negotiations have been wages, housekeeping workload and improved protections from patron abuse.
No strike deadline has been set, but the strike vote raises the possibility of job action as Victoria heads into the busy summer tourist season.
“We are committed to reaching a fair agreement,” said the Fairmont Empress Hotel in a statement to Vista News.
“While progress was made on April 15th and 16th, the Union chose to break off talks on Thursday evening and declined to meet to receive our counteroffer at that time. We subsequently sent a counterproposal [Friday] morning and remain fully available to meet and continue discussions. Our collective hope is that the Union will return to the bargaining table, so both sides can work constructively towards a negotiated settlement and move forward together to support the needs of our employees and the hotel’s continued success.”
