Unifor Local 4276 says that means workers in housekeeping, the front desk, maintenance, banquet events and other departments could be on the picket line as early as 9 a.m. on Saturday.

“Our members voted clearly for a mandate, and the employer responded with very little movement at the table,” Unifor president Lana Payne said in a statement Wednesday. “The time to bargain a resolution is right now.”

In an emailed statement, she said the hotel will continue to engage in the collective bargaining process in good faith, with the objective of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement that balances the interests of employees and the long-term operational sustainability of the property.

Trent Peek, president of Unifor Local 4276, said the union is proposing a six per cent wage increase per year for four years, with some wage adjustments for certain classifications that need an additional bump-up “because they are underpaid.”

He said the hotel’s last offer was half of that at three per year for three years. Peek added that union members at the Hyatt Regency, Westin Bayshore and Pinnacle Hotel in Vancouver just signed a deal with a 34 per cent wage increase over the life of the agreement.

Peek called the employer’s offer of three per cent at the most prestigious hotel on Vancouver Island unacceptable for members who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

“For a FIFA guest staying at the hotel, there would obviously be serious disruptions with service. In addition, we have several local graduation ceremonies coming up in June with thousands of guests,” he said. “It would be terrible for them if we’re forced to take job action. The company has the power to stop this dispute, but only if they come to the table with a fair wage offer that our members can actually ratify.”