Montreal hotel workers launch 24-hour strike [Video]

Around 200 Hotel Bonaventure workers launched a surprise 24-hour strike as negotiations with management continue.

At issue for the workers are improved working conditions and wages, according to a news release from the CSN affiliated Federation du commerce (CSN-FC) union.

It is the second walkout as part of coordinated bargaining for the hotel workers’ union in the hotel industry, which includes 30 Quebec hotels and around 3,500 employees across Quebec.

Queen Elizabeth Hotel workers went on strike for 24 hours earlier this week.

“Not a week goes by without hearing about the highly profitable summer in the hotel industry,” said CSN-FC treasurer Michel Valiquette. “If the sector was able to get back on its feet so quickly after the pandemic, it’s thanks to the efforts and professionalism of the workers. With this first strike day at the Bonaventure, we are showing that we are determined to reach good agreements at the bargaining tables.”

The news release says that further work stoppages should be …