March 12, 2013
Diane Cohen, DC LaborPress Bureau
Washington DC – UNITE HERE Local 40 Welcomes New Members at Vancouver International Airport.
Over 300 Vancouver International Airport concession workers employed by Host have recently joined UNITE HERE Local 40, BC’s hospitality workers union. Starbucks, White Spot, Burger King and retail workers have united with nearly 200 previously unionized YVR concessions workers to raise standards for all concession workers at YVR.
This effort was led by Union and non-union workers who mobilized to win recognition and a contract for non-union Host workers. This organizing victory is a direct result of Local 40 members winning their 2010 strike and lockout, which centered on the issue of job security.
This is a particularly important victory for airport concession workers, many of whom work two or three jobs in order to support themselves and their families. They also face the perennial threat of having their units closed, putting some workers at risk of losing their jobs. Unite Here continues to work with employers to raise standards and create good, stable jobs.
