Downtown Vancouver hotel workers secure major wage increases

In a ratification vote by members of UNITE HERE Local 40, Hyatt Regency, Westin Bayshore, and Pinnacle Waterfront workers overwhelmingly voted in favour of the new collective agreement.

The workers will earn cumulative increases of 34 per cent over the contract term. Under the new agreement, a room attendant will earn nearly $32.50 per hour on January 1 and will make over $37 per hour in 2027.

“This contract is a game-changer for us. We are proud of what our union won in this contract fight,” says Naden Abenes, a Hyatt room attendant. “The new wage increases will help us afford to live in Vancouver, and other gains we made, like year-round health benefits for everyone, means we can take better care of our families without constant worry.”

Tipped and non-tipped workers will be able to access the new year-round benefits once they come into effect, according to the union representative. The companies also agreed to contribute more toward workers’ pensions to improve retirement security.

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.

Hundreds of workers participated in this round of bargaining, participating in rallies, delegations, petitions, work stoppages and a one-day strike this July, to press for fair wages and working standards in Vancouver, according to local news reports.