Strike averted at Victoria's Empress Hotel

A deal has been reached between unionized staff and the owners of Victoria's iconic Empress Hotel.

The union had threatened to strike over the upcoming long weekend.

"We are very pleased to announce that at 1:45 a.m. the bargaining committee unanimously agreed to recommend ratification of the agreement between UNIFOR Local 4276 and Fairmont Empress," said a statement released by Fairmont spokesman Kerry Duff on Wednesday morning.

About 500 employees at the hotel had been without a contract for several months.

Union officials had said the main concerns were staffing levels and the increased workload associated with cleaning the recently renovated rooms.