The recent renovations at Victoria's Empress Hotel could trigger a strike by about 500 unionized workers at the downtown landmark. Unifor union spokesman Stu Shields says the upgraded rooms have heavier furniture that's difficult to move and there are more surfaces that need to be polished. Union members voted 97 per cent in favour of a strike during a vote earlier this month. More talks are scheduled today, but the union says it issued strike notice on Monday and picket lines could go up on Thursday if a deal isn't reached. There has not been a strike at the Empress since 1999, according to Shields.

Source: CBC News August 30, 2016 17:31 UTC