Negotiations Continue as Strike Hits Peak of Ski Season
The strike by Park City’s ski patrol workers, which began last week, is still ongoing as Vail Resorts has resumed negotiations. But with the busy ski season in full swing, tensions remain high between the resort and its workers.
Vail Resorts, the parent company of Park City Mountain, has been grappling with a walkout by about 200 ski patrollers. After failing to reach an agreement on wage increases and improved benefits, the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) took to the streets on Dec. 31, 2024. The union’s action has thrown a wrench into operations during one of the busiest weeks of the ski season.
Despite the strike, Vail Resorts has been able to keep the mountain running, albeit with delays and some lift closures, by bringing in replacement patrollers from other resorts. As the largest ski resort in the U.S., Park City Mountain sees thousands of visitors daily, making the situation even more fraught.
The Stakes for Both Sides
The union has been clear in its demands, with its members seeking a $2 per hour raise for new patrollers, raising the starting pay from $21 to $23 per hour. Additionally, they are calling for better seasonal benefits, including paid parental leave, holiday pay, and improved paid time-off options. There is also a strong push to overhaul the current wage scale, which the union argues disadvantages long-time patrollers.
In contrast, Vail Resorts has been adamant that the ski patrol workforce remains an essential part of the resort’s operations, with safety being the primary concern. The resort stated, “Safety is our top priority, and we have a talented group of patrollers on the mountain from Park City and our other mountain resorts.” This comes in the wake of significant delays at the resort on Monday and ongoing lift closures.
“I really hope that shows the company that they should come to the table and make some movement,” said Quinn Graves, a spokesperson for the union and a fourth-year patroller. Despite the ongoing tensions, Graves noted, “All of us would much rather be at work than standing on a street corner on strike.”
What’s at the Heart of the Strike?
The strike’s core issue is wages and benefits. Ski patrollers, who are responsible for safety on the slopes and ensuring that ski areas are clear of hazards, argue that their pay does not reflect the demanding nature of the job. Vail Resorts has been in talks with the union to address these concerns but has not yet reached an agreement on three remaining economic articles.
The union’s proposed raise for new hires would bring starting pay up to $23 an hour, a move designed to attract more people to the profession. With the physical and mental demands of the job, many feel the current pay scale is insufficient, especially as seasoned patrollers make similar wages to those just entering the workforce.
The company, for its part, claims that it has already made substantial progress, agreeing to 24 of the 27 articles proposed by the union. However, the economic issues remain the key sticking points, and with both sides still at the table, it’s unclear when a resolution will be reached.
Key demands from the union:
- $2/hr raise for new patrollers, pushing starting pay to $23/hour.
- Improved seasonal benefits, including better paid time off, paid parental leave, and holiday pay.
- Overhaul of the wage scale, to ensure long-time patrollers are compensated fairly.
The Ripple Effects of the Strike
While the strike’s impact is most heavily felt by the ski patrol workers themselves, it also ripples through the resort’s daily operations. On Monday, the resort had several delays and closures, which trickled down to guests who faced longer waits and disrupted plans.
With thousands of visitors flocking to Park City Mountain during peak ski season, delays can cost the resort both in customer satisfaction and revenue. Vail Resorts has worked hard to minimize these disruptions by bringing in replacement workers, but it’s clear the situation is far from ideal.
As the days pass, the pressure is mounting on both sides. The strike has already caused significant disruption, and with more people expected at the resort over the coming weeks, a swift resolution is increasingly urgent.
Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the U.S., cannot afford to stay in this limbo for much longer. But with Vail Resorts still holding firm on its position and the union demanding more, it looks like the negotiations will be drawn out well into the new year.
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