The union representing downtown Vancouver hotel workers in B.C. are celebrating what it says is the highest wage increase in Canada.
Workers with UNITE HERE Local 40 have ratified a collective agreement with the Hyatt Regency, Westin Bayshore and Pinnacle Waterfront that will give workers a cumulative increase of 34 per cent over the contract term.
With the new increases, room attendants will earn nearly $32.50 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Their wages will rise to more than $37 per hour in 2027.
Under the agreement, tipped and non-tipped workers will have access to new year-round benefits, the union said. The companies have also agreed to contribute more to worker pensions.
Under the new agreement, workers will have enhanced workplace protections, including a reduction in housekeeping workload, an increase in wage premiums for those doing overnight and training work, and stronger gratuity protections.
Workers also secured extended recall protections in the event of another pandemic, as well as unlimited recall rights for renovations and natural and man-made emergencies, ensuring workers’ seniority and job security are protected.