What's happened
Ski patrollers at Park City Mountain Resort are set to vote on a new agreement aimed at ending their strike, which began on December 27 over wage disputes. The strike has led to significant operational disruptions, including long lift lines and closed runs, affecting skiers during peak season.
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Impact on Operations
- The strike has resulted in significant staffing shortages, with only 30-35 patrollers available compared to the usual 100.
- Many ski runs remain closed, leading to long wait times for lifts, frustrating guests.
Economic Considerations
- The union argues that the current wage of $21 per hour is insufficient, especially in light of inflation, and is seeking an increase to $23.
- Vail Resorts claims to have made substantial wage increases in recent years, but the union contends that these do not adequately address living costs.
Future Implications
- If the agreement is ratified, it could set a precedent for labor negotiations at other ski resorts.
- Continued labor actions may influence broader labor movements in the hospitality and tourism sectors, especially as unionization efforts grow.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the Park City Professional Ski Patrollers Association has been vocal about their demands, stating, 'We just want to make sure these tenured patrollers are compensated for their skills.' Meanwhile, Vail Resorts maintains that they have made significant investments in employee wages, with Bill Rock, president of Vail Resorts Mountain Division, asserting, 'We are proud of the significant investments we have made into all of our employees.' This contrast highlights the ongoing tension between labor demands and corporate responses.
How we got here
The strike was initiated by about 200 ski patrollers who demanded higher wages to match the rising cost of living in Park City. Negotiations with Vail Resorts, the resort's owner, have been ongoing since March, but stalled, prompting the strike during the busy holiday season.
Common question
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How is the Park City ski patrollers strike affecting local businesses?
The ongoing strike by ski patrollers at Park City Mountain Resort has raised significant concerns about its impact on local businesses and the ski experience. As the strike continues, many are left wondering how it affects not only the resort operations but also the surrounding economy and the experience of visitors. Below are some common questions and answers regarding this situation.
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