UNITE HERE Local 261 70th Anniversary

70 Years, Continued Commitment and Gratitude

On this day 70 years ago, the Hospitality & Services Trades Union, Local 261 received its charter as a registered union. Since then, our membership has grown to over 2,500 members across 35 units. This coalition of members across eastern Ontario carries the banner for workers in their industry and deserves the rightful recognition of propelling UNITE HERE! Local 261 into its 70th year.

As the membership is the fulcrum upon which we (the executive officers and Local 261 staff) balance our work and center our mandate, we want to take this anniversary as an opportunity to report back to them.

Coinciding with this turn of a decade have been major changes and directional shifts in the Local to continuously improve and stay up to date in the landscape of our industry. This can be seen in the ways that we focused on updating our contracts, internal operations, and capacity so the local is better equipped to represent members.

Reflecting Back

In our ever-changing world, in which progress in technology and equity continue to unfold, we have begun adopting key language reflective of the diversity of the workforce we represent and the risks that come with increased technology in the workplace.

New technology clauses require the employer to involve and inform the union before new systems are introduced. We have also moved gender-neutral language into all new and renewed collective agreements and required that uniforms be gender-neutral and applied fairly.

Our work and advocacy has led to the establishment of key precedents within the union as we continuously push the envelope for our members. This year we negotiated language on room assignments that sets clearer standards and limits on how work is distributed. We successfully negotiated a maximum assignment of 14 rooms for housekeepers, setting a new standard that we hope to advocate for across our units.

Internally, we completed a by-law review to bring our rules in line with current operations and to increase transparency in decision-making. On the staff side, we have grown the office, separated organizing and representation into distinct departments with clear reporting lines, and increased legal and operational training for staff. These changes are intended to support consistent service and future growth.

Building Our Future

Moving forward, Local 261 will build on its internal growth with the aim of strengthening our network capacity. We have identified two key pillars upon which to track this goal. Firstly, by targeted efforts to improve membership engagement we hope to boost information dissemination within the union and increase democratic engagement. Efforts have begun in this respect as we have created a regular newsletter and begun planning improved annual shop steward training. Secondly, the union hopes to build new and strengthen existing relationships with community partners on shared labour issues. When members are informed, connected, and involved, we are better equipped to defend our rights and improve conditions for everyone.

These outward-facing priorities are supported by parallel work to strengthen our internal capacity. We are increasing in-house resources so the office can function more effectively for members and serve as a practical point of contact. We also plan to develop training capacity through HTA 75, which will be open to both members and other workers in Ottawa. Our aim is to support workers looking to strengthen their skills, advance their careers, or prepare for new opportunities.

Moving Forward Together

Building on the foundation strengthened in recent years, these are the priorities we want to advance as we move forward. In doing so, we recognize that our strength grows through solidarity and the more members and partners we engage, the more effective and resilient we become.

We hope that the roadmap laid out here provides hope and excitement for the continued growth of UNITE HERE! Local 261 and the labour movement as a whole. In a world that is constantly in flux, we have built an organization that is competitive and dynamic. As always, our success depends on the active participation of members across workplaces and communities. With our members standing in solidarity, we can turn shared priorities into real gains. For this, we thank you.

In Solidarity,

Serge Savard
President, UNITE HERE Local 261