Crested Butte Lift Maintenance Union Prepares To Strike
Crested Butte Lift Maintenance Union Prepares To Strike

The Crested Butte Lift Maintenance Union passed a strike authorization with an overwhelmingly majority vote and has started a GoFundMe page to help cover lost wages when and if they do go on strike.

According the GoFundMe campaign, the union has been in negotiations since January 2024 and submitted their wage proposal in March 2024. A formal response was issued in January 2025 which was same wages they currently receive. They are respectfully urging decision-makers to reconsider their proposal and are preparing to strike.

“We don’t want to have to go on strike to be treated fairly, but we will do what we have to do to get a fair contract.”

If are interested in signing a petition in support of the union, you can do so at Change.org. Find their GoFundMe campaign below:

GoFundMe: Help Crested Butte Lift Maintenance Get A Fair Contract

Crested Butte Lift Maintenance has been unionized since June 30, 2023. We have been engaged in negotiations since January 2024, during which we submitted our wage proposal in March 2024. Unfortunately, we did not receive a formal response regarding wages until January 2025, at which point we were offered the same wages we currently receive, presented as “the best we can do.” Given the increasing cost of living in the Gunnison Valley, this response is unacceptable. It has become increasingly difficult to retain employees under these conditions. We respectfully urge decision-makers to reconsider our wage proposal to ensure fair compensation that reflects the current economic realities we face.

Over the past year and a half, our department has experienced nearly 50% turnover. The demanding nature of Lift Maintenance, coupled with the hazardous conditions, has led many to seek employment elsewhere—often in positions that offer better pay and safer working environments. It is deeply disheartening to hear from dedicated employees who love their jobs but are compelled to leave due to rising living costs and the challenges of finding affordable housing in our area. We are advocating for a living wage to help retain our skilled workers and ensure a stable and safe working environment for all.

Last night we passed a strike authorization vote with an overwhelming majority and today are starting a strike fund to help cover our lost wages if and when we do go on strike. We don’t want to have to go on strike to be treated fairly, but we will do what we have to do to get a fair contract.

In the event that we do not need to use this fund, the money will go towards sustaining and growing our union, supporting mountain worker solidarity, and contributing to our local community.

images from crestedbutteliftmaintenance IG

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