Your Union, your interests
Join British Columbia Hospitality Employees' Association - Local 7551
About BC Hospitality Employees' Association - Local 7551
Our Founding
We are a group of your fellow employees that feel we deserve better representation than what Local 40 has provided. Unfortunately, our interests have been overshadowed by the current Union's agenda, resulting in breach of trust. In response, we have established a legally recognized union, steered by a board comprised of staff members and backed by a team of labour experts and service providers dedicated to forging a more equitable and effective path forward.
The board is comprised of employees from various departments at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport. They are excited to help guide this initiative and look forward to connecting with members and advocating for their best interests. Given the current circumstances, we have chosen to keep their identities confidential to protect their safety and security.
What does this mean
Transition from Local 40 to our newly formed union is possible. This change is not only legal, but assures us the same or enhanced provisions. We don't have to be used as pawns by Local 40 any longer. Once the changeover is complete, the strike will end immediately and we can shift back to productive work and repairing the financial, emotional, and relational damage of the strike. However, achieving this changeover requires collective support and membership sign-up. Please complete a membership card, by clicking the "Join Now" button at the top of the page, to contribute to building a brighter and more equitable future.
The truth about local 40's claims
Myth: You don't have a job. Truth: You have a full time job already and it is Local 40 who is keeping you from it.
This message was sent to the Sheraton employees.
Sometimes job action is necessary. However, Local 40 has failed miserably at negotiating new Agreements and caused a strike that has lasted longer than necessary. And they have failed miserably at engaging employees in the bargaining process. Are they incapable? Are they worried about their own elected positions more than your livelihood? You deserve answers. It’s YOUR job and career on the line, not theirs, that matters.
Myth: BCHEA is a sham or fake union.
BCHEA is as legal a union as Local 40. The word “sham” is defined as: something that is false, deceptive, misleading. Interestingly, that is a great description of the information Local 40 is spreading. To call BCHEA a “sham union” is in fact false, deceptive and misleading. So who is the sham union here?
Local 40 are misleading people into thinking that a new union is not a legal union. That is not true. A union becomes legal once a board is formed, a constitution is agreed upon, and memberships cards are created. It is true that the BCHEA does not have other certifications for the very reason it exists: it was created to respond to the needs of employees of the hospitality industry who are FED UP with Local 40.
Myth: PLR starts sham unions.
The PLR team operates multiple unions and employee associations, representing several thousand members.
Regarding the Saskatchewan case, not only does Local 40 have the wrong company, this case does not display an attempt at a sham union, but rather an attempt to help an First Nations group start their own union. The case in question was lost due to a technicality and a provincial labour environment that favours large, politically-supported unions.
Myth: You will lose your pension, benefits and seniority if you join another union, or another union is certified in Local 40's place.
When you exercise your legal right to change unions, ALL of the terms and conditions of the current Agreement stay in place. Your pension, your health & welfare, and your seniority are all legally protected.
Further, the Pension Benefit Standards Act specifically protects your pension. The pension benefits you have earned to date will remain yours regardless of whether you continue to be a member of Local 40, join another union, or if you choose not to be represented by any union
Myth: BCHEA was started by employers.
The Board of the BCHEA consists of employees of the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel who are determined to take back control of their labour relations. These employees approached the Pacific LR team to provide professional labour relations services. Make no mistake, the BCHEA is a legal, employee-centred union…in fact, it’s YOUR union! And the BCHEA is absolutely determined to advance employee interests, WITHOUT the secret, political agenda of Local 40.
Truth: BCHEA has no certifications. Myth: a union needs certifications to certify.
Local 40 is exploiting people's trust and limited understanding of labour law, misleading them with information that is false or doesn't make sense, as highlighted in Ana's statement in this memo.
An employee association holds the same status as any other union, with the title being irrelevant as long as the group follows the Labour Code like a union must. Certification is the process that follows once a union gathers sufficient membership cards, receives approval from the Labour Board for its application, and wins a certification vote. Being "uncertified" is unrelated to a union's ability to represent employees.
Who We Are
Mark Phillips, Representative
Angela Langelaar, Representative
Angela Langelaar, Representative
Mark is an experienced union representative and labour relations expert with over twelve years of dedication to the workforce. His deep knowledge of the labour code, combined with a keen insight into workplace dynamics, has positioned him as a trusted advocate for respectful and inclusive work environments. Mark's approach is rooted in t
Mark is an experienced union representative and labour relations expert with over twelve years of dedication to the workforce. His deep knowledge of the labour code, combined with a keen insight into workplace dynamics, has positioned him as a trusted advocate for respectful and inclusive work environments. Mark's approach is rooted in the belief that the success of a company is intrinsically linked to the value it places on its employees. Through his expertise, he has successfully navigated complex negotiations and has been instrumental in fostering environments where employees feel genuinely appreciated and integral to their company's achievements. Mark is also a co-founder of Pacific LR Services Inc.
Angela Langelaar, Representative
Angela Langelaar, Representative
Angela Langelaar, Representative
Angela is a seasoned Labour Relations (LR) and Human Resources (HR) professional with over a decade of experience in the field. Known for her warm and professional approach, Angela has built a reputation for fostering positive work environments and advocating for employee rights. Angela's expertise spans across various aspects of HR and
Angela is a seasoned Labour Relations (LR) and Human Resources (HR) professional with over a decade of experience in the field. Known for her warm and professional approach, Angela has built a reputation for fostering positive work environments and advocating for employee rights. Angela's expertise spans across various aspects of HR and LR, including conflict resolution, building positive workplace culture, and strategic planning. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate complex workplace issues have made her an invaluable asset to the unions and employee associations she supports. Angela is part of the Pacific LR Services Inc . team.
The Board
Angela Langelaar, Representative
The Board
The Board is comprised of workers from the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel. Each member offers diverse perspectives, skills, and knowledge, but what they have in common is a strong desire to remove Local 40 and bring superior union representation that is effective and puts members first. These individuals have courageously accepted lead
The Board is comprised of workers from the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel. Each member offers diverse perspectives, skills, and knowledge, but what they have in common is a strong desire to remove Local 40 and bring superior union representation that is effective and puts members first. These individuals have courageously accepted leadership roles to challenge Local 40, seeking a fresh and effective alternative for the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel employees and any other hotels wishing to have a union that collaborates with and advocates for them. The existing board acknowledges the importance of each entity having representation and maintaining distinctiveness from the collective group and therefore pledges that if other hotels opt to certify with the BCHEA, they will also gain representation on the Board.