Vancouver Hotel Workers Achieve Landmark Wage and Benefits Agreement

Downtown Vancouver’s hotel workers have reached a groundbreaking milestone in labor negotiations, securing what their union describes as “the highest wages for hotel workers in Canada.” Members of UNITE HERE Local 40, representing employees at the Hyatt Regency, Westin Bayshore, and Pinnacle Waterfront, overwhelmingly approved a new collective agreement that promises transformative gains for hospitality workers.

Unprecedented Wage Increases

Under the new contract, workers will receive cumulative wage increases totaling 34% over the agreement’s duration. By January 2027, room attendants will earn over $37 per hour, a significant leap from current rates. Starting January 2025, tipped and non-tipped workers alike will see major improvements in their take-home pay, aligning with Vancouver’s high cost of living.

“This contract is a game-changer for us,” said Naden Abenes, a room attendant at the Hyatt. “The wage increases and year-round health benefits mean we can afford to live and care for our families in Vancouver without constant worry.”

Expanded Benefits and Protections

In addition to wage increases, the agreement introduces year-round health benefits for all workers, providing much-needed stability for employees and their families. Tipped and non-tipped staff alike will gain access to these benefits, a feature rarely seen in the hospitality sector.

The agreement also boosts pension contributions from employers, bolstering retirement security for workers. Enhanced workplace protections include:

• Reduced Housekeeping Workloads: A key win for room attendants, ensuring a safer and more manageable work environment.
• Wage Premiums: Increased pay for overnight shifts and training responsibilities.
• Gratuity Protections: Clear guidelines to safeguard fair distribution of tips.
• Job Recall Rights: Extended protections for layoffs due to renovations, emergencies, or future pandemics, ensuring seniority and job security.

A Hard-Fought Victory

This historic agreement was achieved through relentless advocacy by hundreds of hotel workers. Over the course of negotiations, employees organized rallies, submitted petitions, and staged work stoppages, including a one-day strike in July. These efforts demonstrated the collective power of the workforce and underscored the pressing need for fair wages and conditions in one of Canada’s most expensive cities.

Setting a National Benchmark

The contract not only addresses the immediate needs of Vancouver’s hotel workers but also establishes a new benchmark for the hospitality industry across Canada. With soaring housing costs and inflation impacting workers nationwide, this agreement highlights the potential of collective bargaining to drive meaningful change.

As other unions and labor organizations take note of this victory, the ripple effects could inspire similar campaigns in hospitality hubs across the country. By securing both financial and job security advancements, Vancouver’s hotel workers have redefined what is possible in an industry often marked by low wages and high turnover.

Looking Ahead

This landmark agreement represents more than just a win for Vancouver’s hospitality workers—it is a testament to the power of unity and advocacy in achieving transformative change. As the benefits of the contract come into effect, hotel employees can look forward to a more sustainable and equitable future, setting a gold standard for labor negotiations in Canada.