Ski patrollers at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah have initiated a strike due to what they claim are low wages that do not align with the high cost of living in the area. The strike, which began during the busy holiday season and has continued into the new year, has resulted in thin staffing levels at the resort, leading to the closure of many ski runs and long lines for ski lifts.
The patrollers, who play a crucial role in maintaining safety at ski resorts by monitoring terrain, responding to accidents, and reducing avalanche risk, are seeking a wage increase from $21 to $23 an hour. They argue that $27 an hour is a livable wage in the expensive mountain town of Park City.
While the ski resort operator, Vail Resorts, points to a previous 50% base-pay increase for patrollers in 2022, the union representing the patrollers insists on further compensation, especially for long-serving employees. Vail Resorts is currently offering a 4% pay increase for most patrollers and an annual equipment stipend of $1,600.
As a result of the strike, only a portion of the resort's lifts and trails are operational, despite heavy snowfall in the area. Vail Resorts has reportedly brought in nonunion workers from other resorts to help maintain operations at Park City Mountain Resort.
Mediation between the ski patrollers' association and Vail Resorts is ongoing, with discussions scheduled to continue. The strike has garnered support from other resort workers, including ski instructors and snow groomers, who hope that a successful outcome for the patrollers will lead to wage increases across the board.
The ski patrollers' strike at Park City Mountain Resort reflects a broader trend of labor actions in various industries across the United States, with workers increasingly advocating for fair compensation and improved working conditions.
