Hotel Workers Rising- Vancouver

Unionized hotel workers in Vancouver with UNITE HERE Local 40 are entering into contract talks with four of the city' hotels. The 2010 Winter Olympics provide an interesting backdrop for these talks, and potentially provide the union with a major bargaining chip. The union is looking for a two year deal (to expire before the Olympics), while ownership is looking for five years. The last three years could be bought- at a hefty price- or the union could work two years without a deal and strike before the Olympics. Keep in mind that British Columbia has anti-scab legislation and a long history of labour militancy. Keep your eyes on this story.