Friday marked day 336 that workers have been locked out by the Hilton Metrotown hotel, following the “mass firings” of 97 of their fellow staff, their union says.
Despite the cold weather, the overall group that walks outside of the hotel to remind passersby were defiant, with more than 100 people - all former employees - outside supporting each other.
““Bring back our fair wages” yelled a happy supporter at the Hilton Metrotown rally.
Represented by UNITE HERE Local 40, the “countdown rally” called on the hotel to return them to their pre-pandemic jobs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hilton Metrotown management terminated 97 long-term hotel housekeepers, dishwashers, cooks, servers, front desk, and other staff. Many of the workers terminated are women. The hotel locked out the rest on April 15, 2021.
“We are here today to fight for a good, fair workers contract. These great people deserve their jobs back,” said Sergio Moyer, who was a front office supervisor at the Hilton Metrotown.
Moyer was dressed in a winter jacket holding a large sign that read “BOYCOTT DSDL HOTELS IN B.C. AND ALBERTA.”
As the one-year anniversary of B.C.’s longest hotel lockout approaches, the union plans to continue the rallies.
“I think it's a really great turnout. We're really happy and grateful for other union allies and community support workers,” said Stephaine Fung, who is the Unite Here Local 40 communications liaison.
Across the street, drivers in cars honked their support of the workers who were holding signs. There was also an ambulance that even honked.
The workers also had a few employees banging drums and blowing a whistle. The noise brought from the workers was heard all around McKay Ave.
The BCGEU had a small group of supporters that joined in, as well as one flag from the Health Sciences of British Columbia was in attendance.
