New collective agreements have been ratified by hospitality workers servicing the LNG Canada project, securing wage increases and job protections should the project move into Phase 2. The contracts, negotiated between UNITE HERE Local 40 and IBEW Local 993 with contractors Sodexo and Horizon North, cover more than 500 workers at Cedar Valley Lodge and LNG Canada鈥檚 office facilities.

A key provision of the agreements ensures the workers鈥攚ho provide services such as housekeeping, kitchen staff, and janitorial duties鈥攚ill be recalled with their seniority and union rights intact if the project moves into Phase 2, regardless of any potential changes in service providers.

鈥淭hese agreements provide job stability for workers as LNG Canada considers further expansion,鈥� said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. "Hospitality workers take pride in their work and deserve a secure future. We appreciate the commitment of Sodexo, Horizon North, and JGC Fluor to ensuring that these workers, many of whom are new Canadians, have job security and improved working conditions.鈥�

Black Press Media has reached out to Sodexo and Horizon North for comment.

The collective agreements also include wage increases, with housekeepers expected to earn close to $29 per hour by next year, alongside improvements to health and retirement benefits. Workers had previously voted in favour of strike action after their contracts expired鈥擲odexo workers鈥� contract in July and Horizon North janitors鈥� contract in May鈥攑rompting negotiations.

The agreements come at a critical time for the workers, as Phase 2 of LNG Canada could further boost employment and services. The liquefied natural gas facility, which has already created thousands of jobs during its construction phase, is considered one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in the country. The second phase, if approved, would involve doubling LNG Canada鈥檚 capacity, increasing the need for infrastructure and the workforce that supports it.

Cedar Valley Lodge, which houses up to 4,500 workers at peak times, relies on these staff members to maintain daily operations, including catering, cleaning, and maintenance. The agreements ensure that these vital services will continue seamlessly if the project expands.