Ski patrol strike disrupts Park City resort operations

A ski patrol strike at Park City Resort, Utah, has closed much of the area for over a week during peak season as patrol workers enter their second week of work stoppage.

Mediated talks between Vail Resorts, which owns Park City, and the ski patrol union with 204 members continue, but little progress has been made after 10 months of negotiations. 

Over the weekend, only 99 of 350 trails and 26 of 41 lifts were open, causing long lines and frustration despite recent heavy snowfall.

The union went on strike on December 27, demanding a $2 wage increase from $21 to $23 per hour.

Vail Resorts offered a 4% raise, equating to $1 more per hour—while the union claims the offer doesn’t meet the high cost of living in that area.

Vail Resorts reported $230.4 million in net income last year and is valued at $10 billion. 

According to the union, the $2 hike would cost Vail $900,000 annually. Its shares have fallen 6% since the strike began. The company also reported a 50% wage increase over the past four years.

The union is also pushing for better benefits and longer contracts.