An unfair labour practice complaint against Powell River Town Centre Hotel has been filed by the hotel union for unlawful retaliation against union supporters.
According to a media release from UNITE HERE Local 40, on April 26, the union conducted a strike vote among its members at the hotel, with 76 per cent voting in favour of strike action. On or around May 1, the employer posted a memo advising employees that they were not permitted to speak about union matters in the workplace – a protected right under the labour code, the release stated. It also stated disciplinary action would take place against any employee found to be discussing the union during work hours, according to the release.
Powell River Town Centre Hotel’s actions demonstrate unlawful retaliation to intimidate workers, the release stated. UNITE HERE Local 40 has requested that the memo be removed from the workplace immediately, and that the BC Labour Board order the employer to cease and desist such breaches of the Labour Code, according to the release.
The 36 workers at the hotel have been without a contract since April 30, 2021, the release stated. Despite steady business at the hotel, management continues to deny them a living wage, according to the release. The union release concluded by stating that Powell River Town Centre Hotel workers face rising inflation and are struggling to pay rent and support their families.
