Workers at a local hotel in Powell River have voted in favor of a strike, following a year of contract bargaining.
35 workers at the Town Centre Hotel claim they’re struggling to keep up with the cost of living and increased wages is the issue they’re most interested in. The union says that workers at the hotel are earning $17 per hour, which is six dollars less than the current living wage of $23.33.
Despite over a year in contract negotiations, no resolution has been made yet, according to Unite HERE Local 40, the province’s hospitality workers’ union.
Tyler Stieben, a cook at the Power River Town Centre Hotel says that things such as gas and groceries are increasing constantly in the City.
“We pay extra here than anywhere else simply because of where we live. Everything we have in our stores comes in on freight or through the ferries. Because of this and inflation, most of us can barely get by,” says Stieben.
“I enjoy where I work, and I love my bosses and coworkers. I think I speak for everyone when I say we really need living wages where we work.”
The 76 percent who voted in favour of strike action include room attendants, kitchen staff, servers, and front desk agents, according to Unite HERE Local 40.
