TORONTO – Workers at two downtown Toronto hotels have voted to leave the American union that had fired their local leadership and seized its assets, choosing to join Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union.

“The workers at these hotels are speaking with a loud and clear voice that they will not put up with the kind of bullying and intimidation that we see too often coming from American unions in Canada,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

“Today’s vote is about reinstating democracy for hotel workers. It’s about restoring workers’ rights to tell American unions you just can’t trample on the rights of union members.”

The votes at the Courtyard Marriott and the Marriott Yorkville were the first of many among hospitality workers across Toronto and Mississauga. Workers at the Westin Prince will vote on Wednesday, while those at the Hyatt Regency downtown and the Quality Hotel and Suites near the airport vote on Friday.

Workers at the King Edward, Doubletree Metropolitan and Delta Toronto Airport hotels vote next Monday, with more votes planned for later in the week.

“I voted to join Unifor today because I am fed up with an American union trying to tell us what to do and what we should fight for in bargaining with the employer,” said Roberto Perez, a worker at the Marriott Yorkville.

“Voting for Unifor means we, the workers can have a say to decide what’s best for our future. The American union wanted to take over but this is our union and it’s our say,” said Josefina Palomo-Lee of the Courtyard Marriott.

The American parent union of UNITE HERE Local 75 placed the local into trusteeship earlier this month in a dispute over the right of the local to set its own course, including in bargaining. It also removed elected officers and seized the local’s assets.

With today’s votes, the workers will be members of the newly formed Unifor Local 7575, joining more than 19,000 hospitality and gaming workers in Unifor across Canada.

“Today’s votes are a great victory for hotel workers. We have taken an important stand for workers power and democratic principles as the workers’ exercised their right to determine their own future,” said Lis Pimentel, who is leading the effort to bring hotel workers to Unifor.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

January 29, 2018

 

One year ago six Muslim worshippers Azzedine Soufiane, Khaled Belkacemi,  Aboubaker Thabti, Abdelkrim Hassane, Mamadou Tanou Barry and Ibrahima Barry were killed in a tragic and targeted shooting in a Quebec City mosque. Many others were gravely injured. Unifor members across the country shared the pain and disgust about this act of hate and senseless violence. As we approach the anniversary of this tragedy, all members are urged to unite and to take a clear stand against Islamophobia and all forms of racism and oppression. It is through solidarity that we will prevail.

As a union, Unifor is committed to inclusiveness and championing human rights for all people, in Canada and abroad.  It is a fundamental right to gather to worship, to advocate for equity, to be respected in our jobs and to earn a decent and fair wage. Anything short of this is an affront to our values as a progressive movement.

In a show of solidarity with Muslim communities, Unifor encourages all members to support one of the many local events or  vigils organized to  honour  the memory of those innocent lives lost and to reflect on the tragedy that unfolded last  January 29. The National Council of Canadian Muslims has a listing of events on its website: https://www.nccm.ca/vigils-memorials-across-canada-for-victims-of-quebec-shooting/

Racism, bigotry, social injustice and exclusion in all its forms are an affront to the values and principles of Unifor.  Our union remains committed to continue to work vigilantly against Islamophobia and all hate-based violence in the workplace and the community. As part of this commitment and wanting to be a leader to end racism and oppression, Unifor will host a multi stakeholder national roundtable on racism and Islamophobia. This important event will be held in advance of the Canadian Council in Halifax on August 15, 2018 to discuss these issues from a workers and workplace perspective. We encourage those individuals, organizations, community allies and employers who share our progressive values and dedication to human rights to consider attending.