TIFF troubles: Royal York workers set to strike tomorrow

The Royal York: now with DIY laundry service (Image: Steve Harris)

Last week, a bedbug scare and a one-day workers’ strike at the Hyatt Regency had TIFF organizers in a tizzy. This week, Royal York staffers are threatening to walk out on Friday, one of the busiest days of the film festival. Nine hundred hotel employees have been working without a contract since July and voted in favour of a strike last night. “The main issues are not that different from the Hyatt; it’s mostly about job security—having enough hours and shifts so workers can support their families,” said union spokesperson Cristal Cruz-Haicken. Timing the strike to TIFF is strategic, but the Royal York isn’t exactly a hub of festival action—a walkout wouldn’t be as damaging as a Hyatt strike.

• Royal York hotel employees vote to strike [Toronto Star]

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