About Local 261

Standing Strong for Hospitality and Service Workers in Ottawa and Beyond

UNITE HERE (HSTU) Local 261 is the proud union representing thousands of hospitality and service trade workers across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Our members are the backbone of hotels, restaurants, casinos, cafeterias, airports, stadiums, and institutional food service operations—keeping the region’s hospitality industry running with skill, dedication, and heart.

Who We Are

We are housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, bell staff, banquet workers, and more. We are immigrants and lifelong locals. We are parents, students, and retirees. We are united by a shared belief: that every worker deserves dignity, respect, and a voice on the job.

What We Fight For

Local 261 is committed to building power for working people. We negotiate strong union contracts that deliver:

• Fair wages and regular raises
• Health and dental benefits
• Pension and retirement security
• Job protections and grievance rights
• Safe and respectful workplaces
• Pathways to full-time, stable employment

We don’t just fight for better jobs—we fight for better lives.

Our Broader Mission

As part of the international UNITE HERE! union, we are part of a movement that spans over 300,000 workers across North America. Together, we champion racial and economic justice, immigrant rights, gender equity, and climate responsibility. Our campaigns have won industry-changing victories and empowered workers to lead in their communities.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a worker looking to organize your workplace, a community ally, or a supporter of labor rights, there’s a place for you in our movement. When we stand together, we win.