PARK CITY, Utah — Since the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association went on strike over what they claim are unfair labor practices, local businesses say they have noticed the impact it's having on customers.
“The tourists are definitely upset," said Sydney Howell, a bartender on Main Street. "I feel like it’s a lack of understanding of what’s been going on. I feel like a lot of the tourists that come in say like, “Oh, their ski vacation is ruined.”
Howell added that business has been steady, but she’s noticed frustrated tourists who aren’t getting the ski vacation they had hoped for.
“Every day people are coming in and complaining," she said.
NORTHERN UTAH
Park City Ski Patrol Union continuing strike despite ongoing negotiations
Union members are asking for increased wages and benefits and have been in a labor dispute with Vail Resorts since last year. Since employees walked out on Dec. 27, vacationers have been constantly complaining about longer wait times for lifts.
While business at a Main Street boutique has been steady, employee Krisiti Nuelle is worried about the future.
“If the strike continues long-term and deep into the season, and they can’t open more of the mountain because they don’t have employees, no matter how much snow we get, no matter how great it is, I think people in February and in March will change their mind,” Nuelle said.
Nuelle fears nationwide attention on the strike may deter people from coming, especially during breaks such as their Presidents' Day Weekend and later in the spring.
Last week, the Ski Patrol Association said they were in continued conversations with Vail Resorts and that a recent bargaining session was more productive than the last 10 months, but a fair contract had yet to be agreed on.
Later Monday evening, Park City Mayor Nann Worel issued a statement addressing the concerns of long-term impacts that the strike could have on Park City's tourism economy. In it, the mayor did not directly side with the striking workers but did say it's the company's responsibility to conclude negotiations and resolve the conflict.
The statement read:
“The Park City Council and I recognize that resort communities face significant livability challenges – and it is the workforce that all too often shoulders the weight of today’s economic pressures. Supporting a professional workforce is essential to the health, safety, and vitality of our town.
"After yet another weekend of confusion and disruption due to the unresolved labor dispute at Park City Mountain, the City Council and I urgently call on Vail Resorts to take immediate action to conclude negotiations and end the uncertainty.
"Park City Mountain is a cornerstone of Park City’s community well-being, and it is Vail Resorts’ responsibility as an essential employer to resolve this conflict without further delay.
"As we stand by ready to assist in any way necessary to help bring this matter to a resolution, we humbly ask everyone for civility and respectful behavior toward each other during this challenging time.”
