A union member and steward employed by cleaning contractor ServeGreen at the Fairmont Château Laurier has been reinstated after a campaign by his union and community allies following his termination.
A member and union steward working at Fairmont Château Laurier, and employed by the cleaning contractor ServeGreen, was fired in what SEIU believes was clearly an example of retaliation for his union activity.
In July, the union filed an Unfair Labour Practice complaint regarding multiple allegations of threats, intimidation, and coercion against members. The complaint also alleged that ServeGreen interfered with the Union’s right to initiate a work stoppage.
Prior to the complaint being filed, the cleaners had run an info picket in preparation for a strike. The strike however was averted when the employer agreed to workers’ demands. A new collective agreement was ratified and the ServeGreen cleaners at the Fairmont Château Laurier became part of the Ottawa City Agreement for the first time. In years past, the company had refused to join city-wide bargaining.
This union steward courageously raised his voice and included his experiences in this complaint. And then he was fired.
But we fought back.
Together, we signed petitions, spread the word on social media, and rallied outside the hotel to demand his reinstatement.
And we won!
This victory belongs to everyone who stood with us. Whether you signed the petition, shared our campaign online, or came out to the rally, you helped show that workers are not alone when they stand up for their rights.
So thank you.
And thank you to the Canadian Labour Congress, PSAC, the Ottawa and District Labour Council, ACORN, CUPE, OSSTF, UNIFOR, Justice for Workers, PIPSC, the Communist Party of Canada, and all the community supporters who joined us in this fight.
When workers and communities stand together, we can hold employers accountable and win.
“I’m grateful to everyone who stood with me and helped me get my job back,” said the steward. “When I was fired, I knew I couldn’t fight this alone. Seeing my union, other workers, and community members come together really meant a lot to me. This victory shows what we can accomplish when we stand together.”
