Media Advisory: Laid-off Hospitality Workers to Participate in Car Caravan in Vancouver, Call on Government to Help Bring Workers Back to Their Jobs

Vancouver—Hospitality workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, will participate in a car caravan demonstration calling on provincially and federally elected leaders to ensure employers rehire—not replace—laid-off workers as the economy recovers. Over 90% of workers in B.C.’s hospitality industry are laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As hotels and other hospitality businesses begin to reopen, workers will call for measures that require employers to rehire laid-off workers before replacing them.

WHO: Hospitality workers joined by community groups and labour unions from across the Lower Mainland.

WHERE: Press Conference at Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard, prior to caravan. (Please note change of location).

WHEN: Wednesday, June 3, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. PT

• 11:45 a.m. PT: Press Conference at Hyatt
• 12:15 p.m. PT: Vehicles to proceed southward along Burrard Street
• 1:00 p.m. PT: Car caravan to end

VISUALS: Workers and community allies wearing masks and gloves standing 6 feet apart, chanting and speaking with colourful banners, signs, and bullhorns, while dozens of cars with signs and flags honk and blare loud music along Burrard Street.

Media availability with UNITE HERE Local 40 President Zailda Chan and hospitality workers during press conference.

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UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.