Workers at downtown Toronto Hyatt vote to join Unifor

TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Workers at the landmark Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Toronto have voted to join Unifor, the fifth location where workers decided to leave the American parent union that placed their local in trusteeship.

"By the simple act of casting a ballot, the Hyatt workers have joined hundreds across Toronto and Mississauga who have chosen a strong future with new Canadian based union," Unifor National President Jerry Dias said. "All Unifor ever wanted was a chance for hotel workers to choose a union to represent them, and thankfully these workers got that."

The Hyatt vote was counted this morning after being sealed by the Ontario Labour Relations Board in a dispute with U.S.-based UNITE HERE that was rejected by the board late last week. The vote results mean that almost 1,000 workers voted to join Unifor in a little more than a week.

"The voices of 1,000 workers were heard despite the attempts of UNITE HERE to quell their demands for a more democratic union," Dias said.

UNITE HERE placed its Toronto local, Local 75, into trusteeship last month in a dispute over the right of the local to set its own course, including determining the bargaining strategy and issues. It also removed elected officers and seized the local's assets, leading to the effort to join Unifor.

The Hyatt workers join those at the Courtyard Marroitt downtown, Marriott Bloor Yorkville, Westin Prince and Delta airport who also voted to become Unifor members. The workers are now be part of Unifor Local 7575, and join 19,000 hospitality and gaming workers who are already members of Unifor across Canada.

"The new members of Local 7575 are focused on building their new home in Unifor," said Lis Pimentel, who led the effort for hotel workers in Toronto and Mississauga to join Unifor. "The local is talking to members, getting them registered for their new benefits and signed up for their pensions, and preparing for bargaining."

Ballot boxes have also been sealed, and the votes yet to be counted, at the Sheraton Toronto Airport and Four Points Airport. Unifor is optimistic that the workers at those hotels also chose 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.

SOURCE Unifor