Two hundred Utah ski patrollers have returned to work after a nearly two-week strike at the Park City Mountain Resort. The strike, which began on December 27, caused many trails to close and resulted in long lift lines at the resort, owned by Vail Resorts.
The Park City Ski Professional Ski Patrol Association claimed victory after reaching a new labor contract agreement. The agreement includes a $2-an-hour base-pay increase and raises for senior ski patrollers. The union emphasized the significance of this contract as a success for ski and mountain workers, highlighting the importance of standing together for fair treatment.
The strike concluded after negotiations between the union and Vail Resorts resulted in a tentative deal, which was accepted by the full union in a vote on Wednesday. The union had been seeking a pay increase from $21 to $23 an hour, citing the high cost of living in Park City.
Vail Resorts acknowledged the impact of the strike on guests and expressed gratitude to the team that worked to keep the mountain operational during the labor dispute. The company had previously increased base pay for ski patrollers from $13 to $21 an hour in 2022.
The raises in the new contract include an average increase of $4 an hour for senior ski patrollers, with some long-time workers receiving up to $7.75 more. The union also advocated for higher pay for the most experienced patrollers, as the current pay scale tops out after five years on the job.
Noting the unusual length of the negotiations and the timing of the strike during the busy holiday season, industry observers commented on the strategic decisions made by Vail Resorts. Ski patrollers play a crucial role in maintaining safety on the slopes by responding to accidents, reducing avalanche risk, and ensuring a positive experience for guests.
Labor unions in various industries have recently achieved significant concessions through strikes, highlighting the importance of collective bargaining and standing up for workers' rights.
