Owner credits labour board for bringing Regina hotel strike to an end

Work is already underway to integrate employees back into the rotation at the Best Western Seven Oaks on Albert Street after a five-month strike came to an end.

Strike notice was tendered in December 2015 after the hotel had presented its final offer to the local United Food and Commercial Workers. The union had told News Talk Radio that it felt a better offer was needed before it could be taken to the members.

In March, the owner went to the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board to have their final offer voted on by the union members. The vote was held in April and counted on Friday afternoon, with 71 per cent of the 89 voting members accepting the offer.

“Without (the board) in place, we’d still be on the (picket) line probably because it’s up to the union to take it to a vote with to membership. And we’re one of the first Saskatchewan employer to win the proposal vote and we’re very proud of that,” owner Glenn Weir told reporters Monday morning.

While only 17 employees went on strike, more union members joined the picket line – something Weir admitted began to have an impact on business at his location.

Now that the offer has been accepted, the striking employees will be returning to work. 

“We’re in contact right away with all of the employees trying to find out their new availability because it’s been a long time. And we’re going to try to get them reintegrated as soon as possible.”

The strike lasted 138 days.