Unifor Local 195 members on strike early Sunday, June 1 (Photo by: Unifor Local 195 Facebook page)Unifor Local 195 members on strike early Sunday, June 1 (Photo by: Unifor Local 195 Facebook page)
Windsor

Best Western Plus workers ratify new three-year contract

The two-month strike at a popular downtown Windsor hotel is officially over.

Unifor has confirmed that about 40 employees of the Best Western Plus, members of Unifor Local 195, had ratified a new three-year contract.

The ratification vote took place Friday morning, a day after a tentative agreement was announced by the local.

Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi said she was proud of the way the members worked through a very lengthy, trying time.

"Workers don't take strikes lightly, but sometimes they are necessary to fight for better working conditions," said Hashi. "Local 195 members at the Best Western faced tough days but never stood alone."

Contract specifics were not immediately released, but the new deal includes wage increases, a signing bonus, healthcare benefits, more paid personal holidays, and an improved retirement incentive package. There is also a new parking benefit that will save employees about $500 a year.

The new deal also includes a wage floor set at one dollar above Ontario's current minimum wage.

Employees who work in guest services, housekeeping, and maintenance, walked off the job on June 1 over wages and working conditions. They are expected to return to work by the end of the long weekend.

The hotel is managed by Ironwood Management Corporation. WindsorNewsToday.ca has reached out to the company but has not yet received a response.

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