Ski Patrol Union accuses Vail Resorts of unfair labor practices in ongoing negotiations

Photo: TownLift // Rebecca Brenner

“Our intent is not to go on strike. We want to continue doing the jobs we love,” PCPSPA President Kate Lips said. “But we need a contract that recognizes the hard work and value of our members.”

PARK CITY, Utah – The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) continues to navigate challenging contract negotiations with Vail Resorts, marking more than nine months of discussions without a resolution. The association has been operating without a contract since the end of April and focuses on securing fair wages and benefits for its members.

“Our primary sticking points are wages and benefits,” said Quinn Graves, a member of the PCPSPA Executive Board. “Last night, Vail Resorts came to the table without a counterproposal on these critical issues. While we tentatively agreed on an education and training package, it represents only a small portion of our goals. We need meaningful progress on wages and benefits.”

Delays in the bargaining process compound the union’s frustration. Graves detailed how Vail took nearly two months to respond to the union’s initial wage and benefits proposal submitted on Sept. 20 before suggesting mediation in mid-November.

“We proposed mediation back in March and again in November, but Vail is now framing it as their idea. Unfortunately, we now worry mediation could become a stall tactic with the holidays approaching,” Graves said.

The union has filed multiple unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, citing delays and intimidation tactics. “One charge addresses the company’s failure to provide timely and relevant information for bargaining,” Graves explained. “Another concern is their refusal to meet at reasonable intervals. We recently filed a charge after the company called employees to ask if they would cross a picket line, which we believe could be seen as intimidation.”

While a strike is not the union’s preferred outcome, the PCPSPA is prepared for the possibility. “We had an almost unanimous strike authorization vote,” said Graves. “We’re ready to strike if necessary, but our goal is to achieve a fair and reasonable contract that reflects the dedication and value of our members.”

The community’s support has been a bright spot for the union. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $18,000 in just a few days, and local events have bolstered morale. “We made nearly $6,000 selling merchandise at the Park Silly Holiday Market and have received generous support from the Park City Rotary Club and other local businesses,” Graves said. “The family who owns O’Shucks is even hosting a fundraising party for us this Sunday, free of charge.”

 

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Despite the ongoing challenges, the PCPSPA remains committed to its mission of ensuring equitable wages and benefits while providing safety and service to Park City Mountain visitors.

“The tourism industry generates billions annually, yet those working in it are often underpaid because their jobs are deemed fun,” Graves noted. “We love our work, but it comes with significant risks and responsibilities. Our fight goes beyond our 200 members; it’s about raising standards across the industry.”

The association’s efforts are not isolated. Other unions representing Vail Resorts employees, including those at Keystone Ski Patrol and Crested Butte Lift Maintenance, have reported similar challenges in their negotiations.

PCPSPA President Kate Lips emphasized the union’s dedication to reaching a resolution. “Our intent is not to go on strike. We want to continue doing the jobs we love,” Lips said. “But we need a contract that recognizes the hard work and value of our members.”

The PCPSPA, part of CWA Local 7781, remains steadfast in advocating for its members and hopes its efforts will inspire broader change within the ski industry. Community members can support the union by attending Sunday’s fundraiser or donating to the GoFundMe campaign. For more information, PCPSPA encourages direct engagement with its members on the mountain.

TownLift has contacted Vail Resorts for comment but has not received a response at this time.