Hilton Metrotown workers reject hotel’s offer of binding arbitration – Business News

Photograph: Glacier Media

The union representing personnel it claims have been locked out by the Hilton Metrotown in Burnaby suggests it has turned down the hotel’s most recent offer you of binding arbitration.

Employees and supporters not too long ago marked one yr of what they say were mass layoffs and locking out of workforce, renewing phone calls for a fair agreement to be attained.

In an e mail, Unite Below Community 40 spokesperson Stephanie Fung mentioned employees declined the hotel’s proposal since they made a decision “it was not the ideal approach to take care of fantastic concerns.”

“We go on to get the job done with the mediator to come across a resolution and we’re chatting with the employees to determine out next steps.”

The union claims the site locked out place attendants, entrance desk agents, banquet, and kitchen staff members on April 16, 2021, right after terminating 97 very long-expression staff members — a move the union has referred to as “mass firings” when the COVID-19 pandemic strike.

Although Unite In this article Community 40 and workers say they’ve been locked out, the resort disagrees.

A assertion on April 14 said the union cancelled mediation dates in March of this calendar year, even though including employees “are no cost to return to get the job done at anytime” and insisted the union is in fact on strike.

“HVM (Hilton Vancouver Metrotown) believes this [binding arbitration] is the most wise route ahead to bring closure to this very long dispute,” the statement spelled out.

“We think it is time to place this dispute behind all of us, and to shift ahead. Although the union promises they were locked out, that is simply just not exact.”

The statement acknowledged a “significant number” of personnel at the resort did see seniority rights under the collective settlement expire before the dispute began.

The union worked to have the staff reinstated with seniority, anything the lodge claims they agreed to far more than 6 months back.

“The Hilton Vancouver Metrotown continues to be an vital hub for the City of Burnaby, and a significant employer for upwards of 200 valued associates. We do not believe that a continuing labour dispute is in the finest pursuits of our associates, the hotel or our local community.

Whilst workers were being provided to occur again, Fung states it was conditioned and statements workers would have had to give up union well being and pension added benefits, paid out time off and workload protections that defend wellness and protection.

“That’s an not possible choice for workers.”