On the evening of Monday, December 8th members of the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association (TPSPA) voted very nearly unanimously to reject Telski’s final contract offer with a 99% majority.
Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association Statement:
“We have spent, and continue to spend, much of our energy considering how a work stoppage would impact this community. To have this care leveraged over the patrol, as a suggestion that we hold all the power to hurt or help the community, and don’t recognize the impact the ski area has on the local economy is inaccurate. This fight for competitive compensation is not just about us, it’s about the largest employer in our region paying wages that allow people to commit to and contribute to this community in the medium and long term. About preserving everything that makes up the soul of this town. We know that rising tides lift all ships. We know that having a well compensated workforce is essential to the backbone of this economy. On Monday, in a 99% no vote, our membership rejected the company’s “last, best and final offer”. We still hope that the company can step up and take the leadership role this community needs.”
Telluride News reports vote followed Telski and TPSPA’s 11th negotiating session, which took place Saturday, December 6th. The ski patrol has been working without contract since the end of August and members have already unanimously approved to go on strike should they see fit.
A potential strike could have severe impacts on Telluride Ski Resort’s ability to operate. The ski resort may be limited to spinning Lifts 1 and 4 should TPSPA strike. In the latest negotiations Telski offered a 9% per person raise. The union had been seeking a 30% increase but had lowered the request to a 25% increase.
TPSPA stands by their message that striking is not a desired outcome and they only want a livable wage:
“Contrary to recent messaging from Telski, we do not want a work stoppage. Our membership sent a clear message that the contract being offered was not enough to make this job sustainable, but that doesn’t mean a work stoppage is the only next step. Given our feedback on the offered contract, we feel strongly that the company can still cross the $115K difference in our wage proposals. A small ask given their operating budget and an extremely meaningful change for how this group is compensated.” -TPSPA
This is a developing story and we will be sure to monitor as new information becomes available.
