Striking workers at the Best Western Plus in downtown Windsor have rejected the company's "final offer."
The vote, conducted by the Ontario Labour Relations Board, saw the workers vote 90 per cent against the offer.
37 full- and part-time workers, members of Unifor Local 195, hit the picket line June 1 to back demands in a new contract.
Unifor Local 195 President Emile Nabbout says the message from the workers is clear.
"Hopefully that can make it concrete for the company to return back to the table and negotiate with the union and give those people what they deserve," he says.
Under Ontario labour law, Local 195 members were required to vote on a so-called "final offer" from the employer. Voting took place from noon on Monday, June 16, to noon on Tuesday, June 17.
Nabbout says it's in everyone's best interest to rebuild the relationship.
"The company has done everything but negotiate. Forcing the final offer and taking it to a vote by the ministry is not the best outcome for our union," he says.
Ironwood Management Corporation requested the vote, saying the offer would provide employees the best overall compensation of any private-sector hotel in the region.
Nabbout says money is the issue here.
"Instead of everybody digging in their heel in the ground, the employer and the union should get back to the table and try to mutually agree to something we can live with and the members can ratify. Then the company can return to full operations and utilize a very skilled workforce, some of whom have been here 41 years," he says.
The workers on strike include those in guest services, housekeeping, and maintenance at the hotel.
The hotel is located at 277 Riverside Dr. W. in Windsor.