Tentative deal reached in Windsor Best Western strike

The union representing workers at Windsor's riverfront Best Western Plus hotel has agreed to a tentative deal after a two- month strike.

The news was confirmed by Emilie Nabbout, the president of Unifor 195, which represents the workers.

He said the deal will be presented to members on Friday for ratification. 

"We are hoping that our members support the endorsement of the tentative deal," he said.

He said the deal reached is one "both sides can live with."

If the deal is ratified, employees will return to work within 24 hours, he said.

"We're just hoping for the best," said Tammy Smith, Unifor 195 executive and chairperson for members working at Best Western. "We're hoping that it's enough to make these people happy and we're definitely ready to go back to work."

Tyler McDiarmid, CEO of Ironwood Management Corporation, which manages the hotel, said both sides are hoping workers support the union's recommendation.

Nearly 40 hotel employees, who work mainly in guest services, housekeeping and maintenance, have been on strike since early June. Wages are at the centre of the strike.

Earlier this month, workers rejected a final offer from the employer of 2.5 per cent wage increases in each year of the deal.

This time, the union president said they've come up with an "alternative solution." He wouldn't clarify if that meant a larger wage increase or another kind of incentive.