Statement from the Alliance’s Chairperson, Aryanna Chartrand:

On April 16th 2020, DSDL Canada fired nearly 100 long-term workers at the Hilton Metrotown in Vancouver, BC. Instead of providing support to workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a community of workers that is largely comprised of Indigenous and immigrant women of colour were denied access to work and denied the security that employees should be able to count on from their employers. Representing thousands of workers in the hotel, food service, airport and gaming industries, UNITE HERE Local 40 has continued to advocate for the rights of these workers.

The Alliance of BC Students serves as a unified voice for member organizations across British Columbia, representing 80,000 students. Our members include students from diverse and complex backgrounds that work to break down barriers and strive for equity for students. However, students are individuals with lives that cannot be limited to a single institution or campus. Our membership reflects the dynamic and diverse individuals who continue to strive for equity, justice and access.

In hearing of the wrongfully terminated and unsupported workers, our Board of Directors unanimously voted in favour in supporting our allies of workers.

We stand in solidarity with the workers of the Hilton Metrotown and UniteHere Local 40’s BC Unequal Women campaign.
Along with other community leaders, we pledge to not conduct any business dealings with the Hilton Metrotown for the 2022 calendar year.

The Alliance stands in solidarity with hotel workers. Our 80,000 student members stand with hotel workers as they fight to save their livelihoods.

Yours in solidarity,

Aryanna Chartrand

Chairperson of the Alliance of BC Students