RICHMOND, British Columbia—Three hundred food service workers are continuing their fight for job security and improved wages and benefits at the Vancouver International Airport after restaurant contractor HMS Host ended a six-day lockout February 24.

The workers had been picketing the airport in response to the lockout, which began the day after a February 17 one-day strike. The unionists, who are members of UNITE HERE Local 40, have been without a contract since March 2009.

Sixteen unionized food outlets including Harvey’s, Milestones, and Tim Hortons remain closed.

Sixty long-time Milestones Restaurant workers will lose their jobs immediately after the Olympics as HMS Host will close Milestones and open a nonunion White Spot restaurant.

Workers were told that they could come back to work if they suspend their fight until after the Olympics. “We’re not willing to give up our rights,” stated Patricia, who has been working for Tim Hortons for seven years as a baker.

Mercy Dagsaan, a cashier at Tim Hortons, stated, “The lockout affects me personally because I can’t pay my bills. I feel good on the picket line because we can express our rights.”

—NED DMYTRYSHYN AND MIKE BARKER