Photo: Contributed
More than 43,500 employees in the B.C. hotel industry remain laid off, according to the latest survey of B.C. Hotel Association members.
And respondents say the federal CERB is not helping efforts to recall employees.
Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the B.C. Hotel Association, told members the latest industry survey offered “a sobering look at the state of the accommodation sector now and into the foreseeable future.”
Survey results help the association detail the current state of the industry to government and identify advocacy priorities, she said.
“In the survey some of you outlined that CERB payments have made recalling employees increasingly difficult,” she said. “Labour issues and the employee-employer relationship will continue to take centre-stage in conversations surrounding recovery, especially as the temporary layoff provision deadline draws near.”
The survey found Downtown Vancouver is sitting at the lowest occupancy in the province with Interior B.C. and Vancouver Island having better levels due to resort destination demand.
The main focus areas for the association’s advocacy efforts are on extending the 75% wage subsidy, getting property tax relief, extending the 16-week temporary layoff period after Aug. 30 and securing additional business loan.
“Ultimately, we need B.C. tourism and our economy at large to recover, and our phones to ring to rediscover a much-desired sense of normalcy across our industry,” said Jarrett.
“We are focused on economic recovery which will take consumer confidence, clear messaging and travel demand. We strive to reach a place where employers have sufficient staff who feel protected and secure in their positions. We also aim to reach a place where the employee-employer relationship is fostered once again.”
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