Unionized employees at the Ramada Prince George ratified a new collective agreement on Friday, averting a strike in the process.
Represented by Unite Here Local 40, they had been in strike position since Thursday after issuing 72-hours strike notice on Monday, saying members earned significantly less than the living wage for Prince George.
In a statement issued Monday, the union said members voted 100 per cent in favour of a four-year agreement that sees an immediate $2 an hour wage increase and a total wage increase of 16.5-19.5 per cent over the next two years for front desk agents, room attendants and baristas.
The contract also includes improved retirement benefits, with the hotel contributing 45 per cent more to the workers’ retirement plan by 2025, and new joint occupational health and safety committee language which will allow management and workers to collaboratively address health and safety issues at the hotel.
"We've needed this change for a long time and are happy with this hard-fought outcome. It's been an honour working with the Union to achieve our new contract. By my co-workers and I standing united, we can now look forward to our future at this hotel," said Monisa Boudreau, a housekeeper at Ramada Prince George.
