About Local 261
Standing Strong for Hospitality and Service Workers in Ottawa and Beyond
A union is workers standing together to improve their jobs and protect their rights.
In hospitality and service work, that means housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, banquet staff, and others joining forces instead of facing management alone. Together we negotiate a legally binding contract for better wages, benefits, job security, fair schedules, and respect on the job.
UNITE HERE (HSTU) Local 261 is that union for thousands of hospitality and service workers across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Our members are the backbone of hotels, restaurants, casinos, cafeterias, airports, stadiums, and institutional food service — keeping the industry running with skill, dedication, and heart.
Who We Are
We are immigrants and lifelong locals. We are parents, students, and retirees. We are united by a shared belief: every worker deserves dignity, respect, and a real voice on the job.
From our office in Ottawa, a dedicated staff committed to labour rights and equity represents our membership every day, negotiating strong contracts, enforcing agreements, and putting members first so that no one has to face the workplace alone.
As part of the broader labour movement, we stand with the Ottawa & District Labour Council and the Canadian Labour Congress to build power for working people.
What We Fight For
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.
As part of the international UNITE HERE union of more than 300,000 workers, we also stand for racial and economic justice, immigrant rights, gender equity, and stronger communities. Our campaigns have won industry-changing victories and empowered workers to lead in their communities.
When we stand together, we win.