'Large feeling of loss': 70 Sheraton Ottawa Hotel workers losing jobs even post-pandemic

A banquet chef employed bythe Sheraton Ottawa Hotel for 15 years was blindsided when her union told her in mid-March that she and dozens of otherswon'tbe returning to their jobsonce the hospitality industry recovers from the pandemic.

Julie Borrissays the decision, involving a total of 70 fellowemployees who were already on layoff,is difficult to hearfrom a hotel where she proudly workedfor more than a decade, the same place thathosted her own weddingreception.

Unite Here Local 261, which represents city hospitality workers, also says it was caught off guard by the hotel's decision to terminate the workers it had laid off. The two sideshad been in talks to extend recall rights, the union says.

This is not how you treat your family.- Julie Borris, laid-off banquet chef

Borris says she only received a termination letter from the hotel on Monday, more than a week after she was informed by her union.

"There's a large feeling of loss," shetold CBC News on Sunday. "Where do I go from here?"

• Ottawa tourism industry bracing for long recovery from COVID-19

Melissa Sobers, a researcher for Local 261, said the collective agreement allows for recall rights for up to 52 weeks, meaning employees couldreturn to work once conditions improve.

Sobers said the union had been in negotiations with local management to extend that timeline, something other hotels have agreed to do.

However, Local 261wastold employees would be let go instead.

"They're very troubled that this company considers them a family and referred to them as such for so many years with some people dedicating 20, 30 years of their lives to this company has decided to just, overnight, terminate everyone," said Sobers.

While Sheraton carries the branding of Marriott Hotels, according to Marriott, the hotel is run by Keck Seng Group, an overseas management company. Marriott advised CBC News to contact the franchise company directly.

NeitherKeck Seng Group nor local hotel management responded to a CBC Newsrequest for comment.

Sobers said the timing of the terminations is surprising, with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout meaning the industry could soon see businesses reopening.

"I really hope this is not some sort of way to get rid of oldtime workers, long-time workers," she said.

"I definitely hope that they realizethe dedication put into making sure this hotel has been successful over the years."

Laid-off workers need support,' says MPP

NDP MPP Joel Harden, who represents Ottawa Centre, said people will remember how companies treated their employees in "good, family-supporting jobs" during the pandemic.

Sobers said the majority of employees losing their jobs arewomen and people of colour.

"I would certainly tell people to stay away," said Harden. "I think if the manager needs that message, they should be staying away from the Sheraton right now.

"But the workers who are laid off most of whom are laid off in this facility right now they need our support."

Borris said she's reconsidering whether she wants to pursue another career in the culinary industry or return to school to learn new skills.

Above everything, the mother to three young girls said it's the lack of directcommunication from thecompany that once called her family that angers her the most.

"This is not how you treat your family."