Media Advisory: Strike looms as workers vote in favour of taking job action at Inn at Laurel Point

Strike looms as workers vote in favour of taking job action at Inn at Laurel Point

Workers at Inn at Laurel Point, one of Victoria’s premier hotels, voted 97% in favour of strike action last night. The hotel’s room attendants, kitchen staff, servers, and front desk agents, represented by UNITE HERE Local 40, could soon be hitting the streets just as Victoria’s tourist season welcomes back thousands of cruise ship visitors to the capital city. Picket lines could go up any time after workers issue 72-hour strike notice.

Despite more than two years at the bargaining table and attempts at mediation, Laurel Point management has refused to significantly raise wages so workers can afford the cost-of-living in Victoria. The hotel business is bustling again at the 4-star hotel, with room rates between $300 to $1,100 per night. Yet, workers’ pay lags behind Victoria’s living wage of $24.29.

“We voted to take strike action because Laurel Point management doesn’t value the work we do every day. We deliver 4-star service to our guests, but with the cost of living increasing in Victoria, how are we supposed to support our families on what we make?  All we want is to get a fair deal done as soon as possible so we can continue to provide our one of a kind service to our guests,” said Aaron Walters, a server at Inn at Laurel Point’s Aura Restaurant.

Media Contact: Sharan Pawa, 604-710-1693, [email protected]

UNITE HERE Local 40 is BC’s hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia.