Thousands of Quebec hotel workers could walk off the job next week for 24 hours

Workers strike outside the Hotel Doubletree by Hilton in Montreal, Thursday, August 1, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Thousands of hotel workers in Montreal, Quebec City and Sherbrooke, Que., could go on a 24-hour strike next Thursday, according to their union.

The announcement from the Confédération des syndicats nationaux follows a wave of smaller surprise strikes, including a 36-hour strike at two Montreal hotels that saw 400 workers walk off the job Thursday.

The union, which represents 30 Quebec hotels and more than 3,500 workers, said a larger strike is necessary on Aug. 8 because not enough progress has been made in negotiations with the hotel industry.

Hotel workers have seven principal demands, including a 36 per cent pay raise over four years and an end to the use of employment agencies.

Last Sunday, 1,000 workers from three well-known Montreal hotels launched a surprise strike lasting 24 hours.

Employees at half of the 30 hotels involved in the negotiations have voted in favour of a strike mandate for walkouts totalling 120 hours.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 1, 2024.