Telluride, CO, Ski Patrollers Signal Likely Strike as Contract Talks Stall - SnowBrains

"Telluride's ski patrol is preparing for the possibility of a strike as contract negotiations with Telluride Ski & Golf Resort reach an impasse, according to new reporting from KPCW. Graham Hoffman, president of the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association, told KPCW on December 13 that patrollers "still hold out a glimmer of hope," but added it is "becoming more and more likely that we're going to strike." The union has not chosen a walkout date but said the community would be notified ahead of time to avoid surprises."

"Negotiations have dragged on for months. The union unanimously authorized a strike in November after the previous contract expired August 31. Patrollers asked the resort, known locally as Telski, for a best and final offer earlier this month. According to The Colorado Sun, 99% of union members voted to reject that offer on December 8. As of December 15, Hoffman told KPCW there has been "radio silence" from the company."

"Telski spokesperson Nancy Clark said in a statement to KPCW that a strike would cause widespread disruption, predicting guest cancellations and a loss of seasonal employees if patrol walks off the job. Patrollers are seeking first-year wages around $30 an hour, which is about a 28% increase from current starting pay, along with paid time off, health insurance stipends, and equipment stipends. The union says those combined benefits amount to roughly a 35% raise. The company's final proposal, detailed in a public FAQ, included a 13% wage increase and guaranteed cost-of-living adjustments in future seasons."

Telluride ski patrol and Telluride Ski & Golf Resort remain deadlocked in contract negotiations, raising the prospect of a strike. The patrol unanimously authorized a strike in November after the previous contract expired on August 31. Union members overwhelmingly rejected the company's latest offer and have asked for a best-and-final proposal. Patrollers are seeking roughly $30 per hour starting pay plus paid time off, health insurance stipends, and equipment stipends, which the union values as about a 35% overall increase. The company offered a 13% wage increase and guaranteed future cost-of-living adjustments. No walkout date has been set, and the community would be notified in advance.

Read at SnowBrains