Empress Hotel employees issue strike notice ahead of long weekend

The recent renovations at Victoria's Empress Hotel could trigger a strike by about 500 unionized workers at the downtown landmark.

Unifor union spokesman Stu Shields says the upgraded rooms have heavier furniture that's difficult to move and there are more surfaces that need to be polished.

"The housekeepers are just finding it impossible to keep up with the workload. The new rooms, as gorgeous as they are, take a lot longer to clean," said Shields.

Fairmont Hotels, has done little to adjust the workforce to compensate for the problems, he says.

A spokesperson for the hotel's owners says health and safety has always been a priority and they will continue to negotiate a fair agreement.

Union members voted 97 per cent in favour of a strike during a vote earlier this month.

More talks are scheduled today, but the union says it issued strike notice on Monday and picket lines could go up on Thursday if a deal isn't reached.

There has not been a strike at the Empress since 1999, according to Shields.