Surprise strike at three Montreal hotels

Nearly 1,000 workers at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Marriott Chateau Champlain and Bonaventure Hotel announced a surprise 24-hour strike on Sunday afternoon to secure gains in their negotiations.

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The strike decision is aimed at making progress on the demands of the employees and withdrawing the hotel owners' requests for a retreat at the negotiating table.

“After many discussion sessions, it is sad to see so little progress. […] With today's strike, the workers are showing their colors: we must clear the tables! said Michel Valiquette, Head of Hotel Sector and Treasurer of the Federation of Commerce (FC-CSN).

The employees of Queen Elizabeth Hotel and Bonaventure Hotel went on a 24-hour strike last week.

“Hotel guests are paying top dollar as room rates explode. Profits are returning to the hotel owners and this is thanks to the hard work of the workers. It's time they get their share,” explained CSN General Secretary Nathalie Arguin.

This is the third walkout this year led by the CSN hotel sector, which includes 30 Quebec hotels.

Here are their demands:

– Get a 36% salary increase over four years to compensate for the loss of purchasing power linked to inflation.

– Increase employer's contribution to group insurance plan.

– Supervise training and better support trainers for the next generation.

– Review access and pay for annual leave to attract the next generation and recognize the experience of existing staff.

– Eliminate the use of employment agencies.

– Slows work overload to better protect personnel.

– Make sure employees decide among themselves how to share tips.