Park City Ski Patrol Authorizes Strike In Labor Dispute with Vail Resorts

December 17, 2024

The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA), the labor union of ski patrollers at Park City Mountain, reportedly voted to approve a strike authorization amid labor negotiations that have been ongoing with Vail Resorts since March. The PCPSPA’s contract expired more than six months ago and the sides held the 23rd meeting to negotiate a new agreement on Thursday, December 12, with two more meetings set for this week. The last meeting, however, ended with union officials abruptly walking out of the room and insisting the company “has not demonstrated a willingness to engage meaningfully” on pay and benefits.

Concerning benefits, the PCPSPA is asking for a benefits package that would support workers year-round. As seasonal employees, the union says most ski patrollers don’t take advantage of things like health insurance offered by Vail Resorts because it’s too difficult to switch coverage every six months.

As for pay, the union is asking for a starting wage increase of $21 to $23 hourly — which is still lower than what comparable employees earn at nearby Deer Valley ($23.50) and Eden’s Powder Mountain ($26) — as well as compensation increases for returning, experienced patrollers. The demands, they say, represents the rise in inflation since the previous contract negotiations two years ago and reflect the rising costs of living. The Inertia