Ski Patrol Strike in US Resort Gets Bitter
The resort shut its slopes on 27th December after a 99% strike vote by the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association.
We reported on it at the time on PlanetSKI:
The dispute is over pay.
Job postings for temporary roles have appeared offering hourly wages between $24.50 and $37.50—a rate higher than the starting pay for many current union members.
“The ski resort is actively working on a plan to safely reopen Lifts 1 and 4 as quickly as possible,” said a statement from Telluride.
“A defined number of medical providers are needed in order to do that, so the resort has formed a recruitment team, led by industry professionals.
“The goal is to hire qualified and experienced personnel to temporarily fill the gaps, allowing the resort to open as soon as possible.”
The union, which represents 78 patrollers, does not believe the resort can find adequate replacements.
They argue that Telluride’s steep terrain—including the high-altitude Palmyra Peak—requires years of specialised knowledge that temporary hires simply do not possess.
Despite the economic loss caused by the closure during the busiest week of the year, the two sides remain stuck over a relatively small amount.
- The Union’s Demand: A starting wage increase from $21 to $28 per hour.
- The Resort’s Offer: A 13% immediate increase for this season, which would bring trainees to roughly $24 per hour.
Update:
See more here:
Related Articles:
- Ski patroller dies in Mammoth Mountain
- Jackson Hole ski parollers aims to set up union
- Park City ski patrol strike set to end
PlanetSKI: Number 1 for digital ski news
Your digital platform for ski news, resort information, travel, equipment rental, sport, money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site, social media & more.
The post Ski Patrol Strike in US Resort Gets Bitter appeared first on PlanetSKI.
Leave a Reply