Workers at Powell River Town Centre Hotel have voted 76 per cent in favour of strike action, according to a media release from the union.
Town Centre Hotel workers are struggling to keep up with the cost of living and demanding fair wages from their employer, the release stated. The 35 workers have been in contract bargaining for more than a year with no resolution in sight, according to the release. The workers, room attendants, kitchen staff, servers, and front desk agents, are represented by UNITE HERE Local 40.
The release stated that Powell River’s cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years. The current living wage is $23.33, but Town Centre Hotel workers earn far less, according to the release.
With hotel wages starting at $17 per hour, the hotel is facing challenges retaining staff, the release stated, and it further commented that Town Centre Hotel workers are struggling to support their families, pay rent, and save for their future.
Despite brisk business at the hotel, management is refusing to pay workers a living wage, according to the release.
“Gas and groceries here in Powell River are increasing constantly,” stated Tyler Stieben, a cook at the hotel. “We pay extra here simply because of where we live. Everything we have in our stores comes in on freight or through the ferries. Because of this, and inflation, most of us can barely get by. I enjoy where I work and I love my bosses and coworkers. I think I speak for everyone when I say we really need living wages where we work.”
The release stated that picket lines could go up any time after workers issue 72-hour strike notice.
UNITE HERE Local 40 is BC’s hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout the province.
The Peak has reached out to hotel owner Jack Barr for comment.
