Times-Chronicle Staff

The Town of Oliver has agreed to write a letter of support for laid-off hotel and tourism industry workers.

Council received a letter from New Westminster Mayor Jonathan X. Cote who is asking the B.C. government to protect the livelihoods of laid-off employees during the pandemic.

“These rights are at risk as there are reports of hotels refusing to commit to bringing workers back to their jobs when business returns.”

Cote said 50,000 hotel workers were laid off in March of 2020, the majority of which were women and people of colour.

As a result, the City of New Westminster has written to the ministers of labour and tourism about supporting the right of these workers to return to their jobs when the pandemic eases.

Oliver town Coun. Larry Schwartzenberger suggested the town write a letter of support.

“I think the tourism industry is greatly affected by COVID-19 and any help that can go to that sector is greatly needed.”