Best Western Windsor workers reject final contract offer by 90 per cent
Workers reject contract offer at the Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel in Windsor, Ont., on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
Workers at Windsor's Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel have decisively rejected the employer's 'final offer,' with approximately 90 per cent voting against the contract proposal, according to Unifor Local 195.
The electronic vote was overseen Monday and Tuesday by the Ontario Labour Relations Board, with the results ensuring the 15‑day strike involving nearly 40 full and part‑time employees in guest services, housekeeping and maintenance will continue.
Unifor President Emile Nabbout said union members were clear: the offer didn't adequately address pressing wage concerns.
Best Western strike
Workers reject contract offer at the Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel in Windsor, Ont., on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
'Our members are very disappointed because the company have done everything but to negotiate, and forcing the final offer and take it to a vote by the ministry is not the best outcome within our union,' explained Nabbout.
'We are hoping instead of everybody digging their heel in the ground, that the employer and the union get back to the table and try to find, and mutually agree something we can live and members can ratify,' he said, noting some staff have been working at the hotel for over 41 years.'
Ironwood Management Corporation, which operates the hotel, had requested the vote and argued its proposed deal represented the most competitive compensation available among private‑sector hotels in the region. The union maintains the wage component is insufficient and that proposed concessions remain unacceptable.
With the vote now concluded, both sides face pressure to return to the bargaining table. Nabbout said the union is ready to return to the table for talks and won't end job action until an acceptable agreement is reached.
'Local 195 members will not be bullied into a contract that doesn't address their concerns,' said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 'It's time for the employer to begin good-faith negotiations to resolve this dispute. We're ready to get a fair deal and won't settle for anything less.'
'Frankly, this vote was a waste of time. The bargaining committee has been clear about the path to a new contract, but the employer tried to take a shortcut,' said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. 'We trust that this result will demonstrate that there is no substitute for good-faith negotiations.'
The strike, which began June 1 after the previous contract expired, has already put a spotlight on labour issues in the hospitality sector. Local 195 officials say they want to bring negotiations to a swift resolution, especially as Windsor prepares for a busy summer travel season, with the Detroit fireworks less than a week away.
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