Vancouver Union Accuses Paradies Lagardère of Labor Violations Amid Organizing Efforts

Vancouver Airport Union’s Complaint Against Paradies Lagardère

In a significant labor dispute, UNITE HERE Local 40 has lodged an unfair labor practices (ULP) complaint against the Atlanta-based company Paradies Lagardère with the British Columbia Labor Relations Board. This complaint comes amid allegations that the company engaged in intimidation and retaliatory actions against employees who sought to form a union at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Background of the Complaint

The complaints began to surface following the union's announcement on November 14, 2025, indicating that Paradies employees were looking for union representation due to a concerning wage disparity. Workers at YVR reported that their hourly wages were falling short by approximately $6 to $7 compared to those employed in similar unionized positions at rival companies like HMSHost and SSP.

In response to the unionization effort, management allegedly organized closed-door meetings. Employees reported that during these sessions, they were questioned about their potential union affiliation, warned against signing union cards, and even threatened with negative repercussions should they choose to join the union. Claims emerged that one manager specifically cautioned employees that their healthcare benefits could be jeopardized and that her demeanor would change drastically towards them if they moved forward with unionization.

Retaliation and Intimidation Allegations

The complaint further details instances of retaliation against workers who expressed support for the union. One notable case involved a union supporter who reportedly faced a significant reduction in her work hours shortly after management learned of her advocacy for union membership. After her hours were cut, when she sought clarification, she was met with a warning from her manager to be “very careful” in her future actions.

Zailda Chan, the President of UNITE HERE Local 40, highlighted the severity of these actions, stating, "These actions are textbook violations of the Labor Code. Paradies is creating a climate of fear to stop workers from joining together to win better wages and stable scheduling. No worker should have to face intimidation or threats for exercising their right to organize."

The union is therefore seeking a formal declaration from the Labor Relations Board that Paradies violated labor laws and is asking for an order to certify the union remedies as necessary.

Broader Context of Labor Relations

This complaint is not an isolated incident. Similar issues have transpired in other locations where Paradies Lagardère operates, notably in Jacksonville, Florida. There, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority faced community backlash concerning the treatment of workers and operational practices, which led to public calls for a change in contract operator for the airport’s concessions. Ultimately, the Authority chose to partner with a different operator following these widespread concerns.

The Path Ahead

As this labor dispute unfolds, the actions of Paradies Lagardère will be under scrutiny, particularly concerning how they address the allegations and treat their employees moving forward. For the workers at YVR, the outcome may set a crucial precedent for labor relations in the airport’s concession sector, affecting not just their wages and working conditions but also the broader dialogue on workers’ rights and unionization across the hospitality and service industries in Canada.

In the face of adversity, the union remains determined to advocate for resolutions that prioritize the rights and welfare of the workers it represents at Vancouver International Airport.