Bargaining Breaks off at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

LAKE LOUISE, AB, Oct. 19 /CNW/ - Efforts to reach a new collective agreement broke off on Thursday October 15th, 2009 after Fairmont failed to respond to the union's latest offer.

The CAW, who represents the grounds, maintenance and skilled trades employees, is now in a legal position to serve 72 hour strike notice over the next 108 days.

"The workers are seeking a fair collective agreement that more closely reflects the wages and benefits in place at other Fairmont hotels. We are seeking to adequately compensate workers in Lake Louise who have experienced a sharp increase in the cost of living over the past two years," said CAW National Representative Todd Romanow.

"We will now look at beginning strike action just before the start of the 2009 World Cup races in Lake Louise if we cannot reach a deal."

Issues also remain unresolved related to housing and work ownership. "Both of these issues can be resolved without resorting to a work disruption if Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise shows a greater willingness to reach a fair agreement," said Romanow.

The CAW contract expired on January 31st . 2009 and the parties have already met with a mediator appointed by Alberta Mediation Services under the Alberta Labour Relations Code.

For further information: Todd Romanow, National Representative at [phone] or email [email protected]