SURREY, B.C. — More than 140 workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel walked off the job Friday evening, launching a legal strike after failing to reach a fair collective agreement with their employer. The strike action began at 5:30 p.m. on July 5, 2025.
The workers, represented by Unifor Local 3000, have been without a contract since April 2024. After over a year of negotiations, union members voted to reject a tentative deal, citing stagnant wages amid a rapidly rising cost of living in the Lower Mainland.
“Our members deserve better and are trying to catch up,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These workers kept the doors open during some of the most challenging years in hospitality. Now, they’re standing together to demand better wages. This strike is about fairness, respect, and economic justice.”
The Sheraton Vancouver Guildford is owned by Pacific Reach Properties, a Vancouver-based investment firm with holdings in real estate, hospitality, healthcare, and technology. The company uses Hospitality Industrial Relations (HIR), a third-party bargaining agent, to negotiate labour agreements on its behalf.
“This hotel runs because of our members—and they’re done waiting for a fair deal,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “They’re taking a stand not just for themselves, but for all hospitality workers who deserve better pay and respect on the job.”
Unifor Local 3000 represents 120 full-time and 24 part-time employees at the Sheraton Guildford, including room attendants, front desk staff, banquet servers, kitchen employees, and maintenance personnel.
“Wages at this hotel have flatlined while rent, groceries, and gas have soared,” said Adrian Burnett, President of Unifor Local 3000. “Our members are scraping by while a wealthy ownership group tries to nickel-and-dime them. This strike is the direct result of that imbalance.”
While the union has signaled it remains open to returning to the bargaining table, leaders warn the strike will continue until a fair agreement is reached.
Unifor is Canada’s largest private-sector union, representing 320,000 workers across key industries. The union advocates for workers’ rights, equality, and progressive social change both in Canada and internationally.
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