As the largest union in British Columbia devoted to representing working people in the hospitality industry, UNITE HERE! Local 40, formerly known as the Hotel, Restaurant & Culinary Employees & Bartenders Union, can trace it’s beginning back to the first charter granted to a Local Union for hospitality workers on Canada’s west coast in July, 1900. UNITE HERE! Local 40 is the proud inheritor of a history of service to working people in the hospitality industry that has continued unbroken for more than 100 years. Now representing 10,000 working people in British Columbia’s hospitality industries of the 21st century, Local 40 embodies the selfless efforts of thousands of people whose past contributions to the ideals of trade unionism have created the modern progressive structure that exists today. With offices located in Burnaby and Prince George, Local 40 provides professional representation for it’s members at more than 300 certifications across the province. Local 40 members work in some of the finest hotel properties throughout British Columbia. First and foremost are the members of Local 40 the working people who put it all together. From culinary professionals who prepare and serve the food to front desk clerks at four & five star hotels and everybody in between Local 40 members are the heart of the hospitality industry in this province. Our members work in every corner of British Columbia, from remote construction camps to the province’s leading hotels, proudly serving patrons at the Race Track, many of our airports and at the home of the Vancouver Canucks, General Motors Place. Local 40 members are the people who keep the engine of our industry running smoothly. Local 40 has negotiated some of the best collective agreements in the industry that cover working conditions, wage rates and benefit plans. We provide professional representation for our members at grievance meetings, arbitration hearings and, if necessary, at legal proceedings to protect against unjust discharge, suspension or receipt of disciplinary letters. Local 40 is committed to continuing education for it’s members with the promotion of ongoing Shop Steward seminars, in house and on site member education on labour issues such as dealing with management. Local 40 also supports and participates in attendance at professional labour schools, such as the annual CLC Harrison Winter School held at Harrison Hot Springs, BC. Our members actively participate at membership meetings, as well as on bargaining and organizing committees. Local 40 was one of the first trade unions in British Columbia to provide a formal Employee Assistance Program for it’s members. Confidential help is provided for our members who need assistance in dealing with issues ranging from harassment, stress and anxiety to alcoholism, relationships and family problems. This program is simply a phone call away. return to top As a respected member of the Labour Community, Local 40 is a full fledged member in Canada’s largest labour organization, the Canadian Labour Congress that represents over 2.5 million people across Canada. Local 40 also has a seat on the Executive Council of the British Columbia Federation of Labour, the province’s foremost worker organization representing over 450,000 working people in this province. We are also a member of the British Columbia & Yukon Territory Building & Construction Trades Council. We also actively participate in and support our local labour councils throughout the province. Participation and support of these vital worker organizations provides Local 40 members with the combined strength of organized labour in Canada. As one of Canada’s largest local unions belonging to UNITE HERE!, Local 40 is backed by the strength of one of the world’s most progressive and aggressive trade unions, UNITE HERE!, representing more than 440,000 workers in the hospitality, food service, industrial laundry, textile manufacturing and tourism industries. The strength of belonging to this international labour organization is a vital component in today’s global marketplace and Local 40 members reap the extensive benefits of these memberships and affiliations. return to top | 
