Ski patrol from Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine have have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to form a union which would be the first of its kind on the East Coast.
A majority of the 34 ski patrol employees signed on to join the United Mountain Workers which represents over 1,000 ski industry workers in western states.
United Mountain Workers president Max Magill had this to say about the Sunday River unionization effort:
“I think we’re seeing a ski industry that’s focused more than it ever has been on capturing wealth for executives and shareholders and maximizing profits. And not exactly paying workers their fair share of the money that’s earned.”
Sunday River ski patrollers are seeking to create a “sustainable workplace that guarantees fair compensation, safe working conditions, and professional development.”
Since launching the union petition on Monday, Sunday River ski patrol have continued to work as normal. Read the statement issued by Sunday River Ski Patrol below:
Sunday River Patrol Union Statement:
“Today Monday 02/17/25, the paid staff of Sunday River Patrol took an important step forward. With over 70% of paid patrollers in support, we have signed a petition with the NLRB in hopes to join CWA Local 7781 – United Mountain Workers. After many months of planning, this is the first step towards holding a union election later this winter.
Across 8 peaks and over 800 acres of skiable terrain, our team provides medical care, hazard mitigation, terrain management, and guest services for the thousands of skiers and riders that visit Sunday River. As trained professionals, we strive to create a sustainable workplace that guarantees fair compensation, safe working conditions, and professional development. From White Cap to Jordan Bowl, we love our work in the mountains of Western Maine. With our union effort, we are asking Sunday River and Boyne Resorts to invest in us so that we can continue to perform our jobs at the highest level.
We aim to continue our positive working relationship with Sunday River. We ask for YOUR support in this process and look forward to seeing you out on the hill and around the resort!
