More than 5,000 workers at 32 Toronto hotels have voted to authorize strike action as the city prepares for the G20 summit. But initial fears that a strike could bring the hospitality sector to a standstill days before the summit appear to be overblown.
The Unite Here union now says only one downtown hotel will be in a legal strike position before the arrival of world leaders. Workers at the Novotel on the Esplanade near Yonge Street could strike on June 24th, two days before the meeting begins.
Cicely Phillips, Vice President of Unite Here Local 75, said a majority of hotel workers participated in the vote, with over 94% voting to authorize a strike if contract talks should break down.
The union says major issues focus on shift cuts and workplace conditions.
