Gulzar Grewal, committee leader in the housekeeping department, played a key role in bargaining.
After a challenging campaign spanning most of 2009, Coast Plaza Hotel workers ratified a new union contract this week–by a vote of 94%
Highlights of the new contract include: major improvements in workload for housekeepers, some of the best economics of any hotel contract signed in BC during the recession and a significant increase in the pension contribution.
Coast Plaza housekeepers will now have a workload similar to the Hyatt, Four Seasons, Westin and Renaissance hotels, with room drops for checkouts.
Most importantly, Coast Plaza workers achieved real job security. Coast’s lease to operate the Denman Street property as a hotel has been extended through 2017.
These were tough negotiations for Local 40 members, their Union and Coast management. In the end, Coast Plaza committee members took leadership during some very difficult discussions and came up with creative solutions to settle the contract.
Labour unions, community members, elected leaders and faith groups all played important roles in supporting the Coast Plaza workers.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!