Queen Elizabeth Hotel denies using replacement workers during strike

The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel denied using strike breakers amid its labour dispute with the CSN, contrary to the union’s allegations.

In an e-mail to The Canadian Press, hotel spokesperson Andrée-Ann Groleau said that “no strike breakers have been hired” and that “the hotel is prepared to deal with any pressure tactics and has put in place a contingency plan to allow hotel operations to continue as normally as possible.”

She added that hotel management is “doing everything possible to minimize any inconvenience to our guests, and we hope to return to normal as soon as possible.”

On Sunday, nearly 1,000 workers at the Queen Elizabeth, Marriott Château Champlain and Bonaventure hotels in Montreal held a surprise 24-hour strike. On Monday, the Marriott and Bonaventure locked out their employees until Tuesday.

CSN claims to have evidence

According to a spokesperson for the hotel sector of the Fédération du commerce de la CSN, the Queen Elizabeth Hotel illegally employed replacement workers during last week’s walkout.

“We filed a complaint with the provincial labour board because we know that the employer used strike breakers, which is prohibited by law,” and “we are convinced that they did, we have the evidence to prove it, so we will be heard shortly. Normally, services must be provided by management staff and no one else,” said Michel Valiquette.

The 24-hour strike that ended on Monday was the third walkout in the 11th round of coordinated negotiations in the CSN hotel sector. There are 30 hotels representing 3,500 employees who are taking part in the negotiations.

Around 15 of these 30 hotels have voted in favour of a 120-hour strike mandate, which they can call at any time.

It should be expected that there will be future strikes, and possibly a joint walkout in August, according to the union, unless the parties reach an agreement quickly.

Wage increase demanded

The workers are demanding a 36 per cent pay rise over four years and three weeks’ holiday during the first year of service, to attract new workers.

They also want employers to contribute to the group insurance plan and are seeking better training for the new employees.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews