Teamsters union members working at Costco Wholesale locations across the country voted to authorize a strike on Sunday, with more than 85% of members in favor of hitting the picket lines.
The union represents more than 18,000 Costco employees nationally.
“Our members have spoken loud and clear — Costco must deliver a fair contract, or they’ll be held accountable,” Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a press release Sunday.
GRAYS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 5: A general view of a Costco Wholesale at Lakeside Retail Park on February 5, 2024 in Grays, United Kingdom. (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images)
John Keeble/Getty Images
“From day one, we’ve told Costco that our members won’t work a day past January 31 without a historic, industry-leading agreement. Costco’s greedy executives have less than two weeks to do the right thing. If they refuse, they’ll have no one to blame but themselves when our members go on strike.”
The union says “fair wages and benefits” are the catalyst for the strike.
According to the union, the wholesale giant recently reported $254 billion in annual revenue and $7.4 billion in net profits, which marked a 135% increase since 2018.
“Yet, despite these record gains, the company refuses to meet the Teamsters’ demands for fair wages and benefits that reflect the company’s enormous success,” the union said.
In preparation for the strike, last week hundreds of Costco Teamsters nationwide organized practice pickets from Hayward, California, to Sumner, Washington, and Long Island, New York.
“We are the backbone of Costco,” Bryan Fields, a Costco worker in Baltimore and member of Teamsters Local 570 said in the press release. “We drive its success and generate its profits. We hope the company will step up and do right by us, but if they don’t, that’s on them. The company will be striking itself.”
In a historic move, Costco’s unionized workers have voted to authorize a nationwide strike. The decision comes after months of negotiations between the retail giant and the union representing its employees.
The vote, which took place over the past week, saw an overwhelming majority of workers in favor of the strike. The union cited issues such as low wages, inadequate benefits, and unsafe working conditions as the main reasons for the potential walkout.
If the strike goes ahead, it would be the first time in Costco’s history that its workers have gone on strike on a national scale. The impact of such a move would be significant, as Costco is one of the largest retailers in the country with millions of members.
Costco has yet to respond to the union’s decision, but the ball is now in their court as they work to address the concerns of their employees and avoid a potentially damaging strike. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
BESA Center Perspectives Paper No. 2,324, January 14, 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Israel faces a critical strategic decision regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The Islamic Republic is accelerating its enrichment capabilities and is systematically approaching the threshold of nuclear breakout. At issue is whether to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure immediately, leveraging Iran’s degraded air defenses and regional setbacks during the “lame duck” period of the current Biden administration, or wait for a potential alignment with the incoming Trump administration, which could bring enhanced diplomatic and military support. Both options carry significant potential risks and benefits.
Iran’s nuclear program is advancing rapidly. According to the Institute for Science and International Security’s November 21 report, Iran has enough uranium to further enrich to weapons-grade uranium for 10 nuclear weapons within a month, and for 16 bombs within five months. Furthermore, Iran could produce 25 kilograms of weapons-grade uranium – the amount required for one bomb – in as little as one week.
These alarming timelines, coupled with Iran’s diminished air defenses and lack of any substantial regional active proxy at this time that it can activate against Israel with the exception of the Houthis in Yemen, present a rare strategic window for preemptive action following Israel’s recent military achievements against Hamas and Hezbollah and the fall of the Assad regime.
Delaying action risks that Iran will continue to creep toward the nuclear threshold and potentially take secret breakout action, which would fundamentally alter the region’s balance of power. With its proxy agenda in ruins, Iran’s weakened regime may be tempted to fall back on its nuclear program as an “immortality potion” against external threats.
A nuclear-armed Iran would quickly embark on a program to rebuild its shattered proxies and reconstruct the Iranian ring of fire around Israel while bullying Sunni powers into submission and seeking to destabilize them. A nuclear Iran would likely shield its proxies and allies, especially Hezbollah, under a nuclear umbrella. Striking now would prevent this scenario while Iran’s proxy networks remain severely weakened.
Following significant setbacks to Iran’s air defenses and missile production infrastructure in Israel’s October 26 strikes, Iran is currently extremely vulnerable. Israel achieved near-uncontested aerial supremacy in Iranian skies during the October 26 strikes, demonstrating the feasibility of further operations.
A swift, decisive strike may outpace international responses or potential restrictions from the incoming Trump administration, allowing Israel to maintain operational independence.
On the other hand, a unilateral Israeli strike might trigger prolonged missile exchanges with Iran itself, in a continuation of the long-range firepower exchanges of blows between Tehran and Jerusalem.
In addition, it could be argued that acting without the explicit backing of the United States or other allies may strain diplomatic ties and limit Israel’s ability to mitigate fallout from the strike. Should Iran choose to disrupt the global energy market, the fallout would be even more severe.
The incoming Trump administration, set to assume power on January 20, offers Israel a determined partner for addressing Iran’s nuclear threat. President Trump has historically favored a hardline, maximum pressure stance on Iran, and his administration is likely to pursue aggressive policies, including reimposing maximum pressure sanctions and bolstering military cooperation with Israel.
As such, those arguing to hold off on strikes point out that Trump’s administration may provide diplomatic cover for future Israeli strikes, shielding it from international condemnation and facilitating follow-up measures.
Furthermore, the Trump administration could expedite the delivery of critical military assets that would improve the quality of Israeli strikes, such as F-15IA fighter jets and KC-46A refueling tankers, enhancing Israel’s operational long-range capabilities for sustained action against Iran.
A joint approach with the US would amplify the effectiveness of economic, diplomatic, and military measures against Iran, creating a comprehensive campaign to halt its nuclear ambitions.
With US backing, Israel could deter retaliation from Iran’s proxies, as Tehran would face the prospect of direct US involvement in any escalation.
And yet, delaying action risks Iran’s once again using negotiations as a cover to legitimize its nuclear program and achieve breakout later on as it advances the program to the point where it would be significantly more difficult to neutralize.
Iran’s increasingly advanced centrifuges in operation in Natanz and Fordow make daily progress toward enriching uranium to the 60% level, and it is no major step to go from there to military-grade uranium. By some estimates, Iran is six months away from a crude nuclear device and around 18 months away from an operational nuclear warhead that it can install on a delivery mechanism (missiles).
The Trump administration may initially prioritize diplomatic engagement or prefer to focus on challenges from Russia and China, creating delays or limiting operational scope.
Iran’s current vulnerabilities may diminish over time as it repairs its defenses and missile infrastructure. A delayed strike could face greater resistance and higher operational risks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently emphasized the centrality and existential nature of Iran’s nuclear threat, warning that failure to address it would exacerbate other security challenges. While recent strikes demonstrated Israel’s operational capabilities, the question of timing remains pivotal.
If Iran’s nuclear advancements continue unchecked, Israel risks facing a fait accompli – a nuclear Iran that begins rebuilding its path toward its ambition of Israel’s collapse by the year 2040, as the infamous clock in Tehran indicates.
At the same time, waiting for American diplomatic and potential military support could lead to a better strike opportunity.
Israel’s choice between striking Iran’s nuclear program before January 20 or waiting for Trump’s second term presents no easy answers. Immediate action offers a chance to neutralize an existential threat while Iran is vulnerable but carries the risks of escalation, isolation, and limited international support. Waiting suggests stronger diplomatic and military backing but risks Iran’s advancing its nuclear capabilities beyond the point of no return.
Israel must weigh these factors carefully. And while the decision must be heavily influenced by intelligence on the real-time status of Iran’s nuclear program, Israeli decision makers must take into account the danger of unknown unknowns when it comes to Iran’s nuclear program.
Yaakov Lappin is an Israel-based military affairs correspondent and analyst. He provides insight and analysis for a number of media outlets, including Jane’s Defense Weekly and JNS.org.
As tensions continue to rise between the United States and Iran, the question on many people’s minds is whether or not the US should strike Iran’s nuclear program before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20. The Trump administration has been ramping up pressure on Iran, imposing new sanctions and reportedly considering military action.
Some argue that a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities is necessary to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons, which could pose a serious threat to the region and beyond. They point to Iran’s history of supporting terrorism and destabilizing the Middle East as reasons to take action now.
Others, however, caution against rushing into military action, warning that it could escalate tensions further and lead to a broader conflict. They argue that diplomacy and negotiations should be the primary focus, and that a strike on Iran’s nuclear program could have devastating consequences.
The decision on whether or not to strike Iran’s nuclear program before January 20 is a complex and weighty one, with potentially far-reaching implications. It is a decision that will likely be debated and scrutinized in the coming days and weeks as the Trump administration’s term comes to an end.
Attention all magical girls with a love for adventure and a knack for time-travel: have you ever dreamt of meeting your pirate ancestors and sailing the high seas in search of treasure and glory? Well, now is your chance!
In our latest issue of Girl Space Magicians, we follow a group of young witches who discover a hidden portal that allows them to journey back in time to the golden age of piracy. Armed with their magical abilities and a thirst for excitement, these girls set out to meet their swashbuckling ancestors and uncover the secrets of their past.
Join us as we strike the lilac scent and embark on a thrilling journey through time, where danger lurks around every corner and adventure awaits at every turn. Will our brave magicians be able to outwit their enemies and claim their rightful place in history, or will they be lost to the tides of time forever?
Don’t miss this captivating tale of girl power, friendship, and daring escapades. Grab your broomstick, gather your spellbook, and set sail with us on the high seas of imagination. The adventure of a lifetime awaits!
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No longer is there a need to buy expensive custom controllers and the subsequent costly replacements. With the Strike Pack you can map any controller button to any of the two paddles, take advantage of built-in MODS and enjoy a gaming experience on a whole new level. Ease of use is the hallmark of the Strike Pack device. Simply attach the Strike Pack onto your PlayStation 4 controller and enjoy the benefits of extra paddles and built-in MODS. Do you want to go beyond basic functionality? Then download the Mod Central Windows software available through the Collective Minds website to expand the functionality of the Strike Pack and expand all the customization options that are available. If you encounter any issues please contact support@collectiveminds.ca. PC Games are NOT supported as this product is designed for console use only. Suitable for PS4 controller ONLY. Hundreds of controller mods directly available. incl. rapid fire, drop shot and quickscope. NOTE- See product guides and documents for more information. NOTE: 3.5mm headset audio compatible with controller model CUH-ZCT2U and later. Original model CUH-ZCT1U controller NOT supported for 3.5mm headset audio – USB headset required..Not for PC use
Customers say
Customers find the video game accessories useful for pressing multiple buttons. They say the paddles function well and work for a long period if you treat them with care. However, some customers have reported issues with disconnecting issues, needing to be connected every time they turn on the PS4, and poor value for money. There are mixed opinions on durability, ease of use, button responsiveness, and comfort.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
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Never forget where you’re coming from. On the August 2021 night Brentford made their bow as a Premier League team, Mikel Arteta received valuable, indelible lessons on defending and attacking set pieces. Mads Bech Sørensen, these days back at the Bees’ former sister club, Midtjylland, launched the throw-in that led to Christian Nørgaard heading home for 2-0.
By then, Nicolas Jover was by Arteta’s side in the Arsenal dugout, having joined from Brentford via Manchester City. They have learned and developed much together since. Set pieces are no longer the refuge of scoundrels and dinosaurs, and with Jover’s fussy sideline guidance Arsenal have developed into their current hybrid of restart muscle and creative flair. The former has often stood in for the latter. At Brentford , it took until the second half for Arsenal’s flair to arrive, and only after a Jover special had grabbed the lead.
A homecoming win, then, for Arsenal’s breakout star of the season. The now talismanic special teams guru who made his bones at Brentford, a significant destination in Arteta’s own journey of personal development. There were distinct wobbles on their first assignment of 2025, Brentford doing what they do best in unsettling their opposition. David Raya, another Brentford-Arsenal brain drain traveller, was guilty of misreading the angles for Bryan Mbeumo’s opening goal and only just rescued himself from an even more serious error when fumbling Keane Lewis-Potter’s shot.
Has Liverpool’s frontrunning broken Arsenal’s hearts? Not just yet, though just when Manchester City need rewiring, Arne Slot’s remake/remodel of Jürgen Klopp’s team has left Arsenal little margin for error after their stumbles in the first half of the season. Officialdom often takes the blame among the wilder fringe groups of the club’s support when injuries have far more credibility as mitigation. Sickness in the camp had taken its effect here, Kai Havertz’s absence down to seasonal lurgy.
As Arsenal stare down nine games in January, to follow seven in December, the breakdown of Bukayo Saka is their hard-luck story. At least Brentford was negotiated without him. The wisdom of such a young player reaching 250 games is a question against the club’s personnel department. The case of Raheem Sterling, still just 30, currently on Arsenal’s books but reported to be headed back to Chelsea as unwanted goods, is just one example of too much too young. When Saka reappears from an injury that has slowed many a speedster, can he be the same player? Will the twitch fibres recover? Will Arsenal still be in the title hunt when he does return?
To answer one question, in Saka’s stead, Arteta placed yet more trust in flaming youth. Ethan Nwaneri, 17, was making his first Premier League start at the same ground he became the Premier League’s youngest ever player, at 15 years and 181 days in September 2022, the eve of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. He was replacing Arsenal’s fallen king, up against Lewis‑Potter, whose presence at left-back reminded injury crises are not confined to title challengers. Thomas Frank could complain of heavy first-team absences, only Nathan Collins available of a first-choice defence.
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino swings a boot at a loose ball to score from another set piece. Photograph: Steven Paston/PA
As Arsenal dominated possession, Frank’s cut and shut backline needed to stay disciplined, so there was disappointment in the crap 90s football manner of Gabriel Jesus’s equaliser, a pinball begun by Mbeumo taking a risk on the edge of the box. With Martin Ødegaard’s radar off-beam – Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard perhaps the brighter of the Scandinavian playmakers – it was left to Jover to find solutions. Whenever a corner was awarded, Arteta vacated his pensive patrols of the technical area, and Jover could line up his desired strategy.
Nwaneri further fulfilled Saka surrogate duties by pinging in a beauty; Mark Flekken was distracted by the trademark blitz and dropped the ball for Mikel Merino to score. Jover had bitten the hand that used to feed him. Do he and Austin MacPhee, Aston Villa’s specialist, another noted fellow of the Brentford/Midtjylland school of free-kicks, corners and second balls, exchange celebratory high-five emojis in the set-piece gurus WhatsApp group? These men of increasingly high profile remain mysterious, enigmatic as their influence grows. “Set piece FC,” sang the travelling Gunners fans. A ninth Premier League goal from corners had dug their team from a hole.
There was soon something else to celebrate, that long-awaited flair, Nwaneri supplying the pass from which Gabriel Martinelli, who had struggled in the Saka position against Ipswich, took the blood from the contest. The teenage prodigy departed with 10 minutes left on the clock, having been fleetingly but decisively influential.
If Arsenal’s chase for a Premier League title remains unfulfilled this May, where might that leave Arteta? He has done his growing up in public, his first senior role a job that would daunt even the most experienced managers. Arsenal’s development season on season will surely grant further opportunities. What Brentford, particularly in the first half, and others this season have shown is that his team have lost plenty of the fluency that took them to Guardiola’s shoulder. Arteta has learned that other approaches are available. The temptation to overexpose the flowering of Nwaneri can be resisted when the Jover effect is still yielding results.
Set piece FC strike again just as Arsenal are tempted by the fountain of youth
Arsenal’s defensive woes continue to haunt them as Set piece FC once again proved to be their Achilles heel in a recent match. Despite showing promising signs of improvement in their overall play, the Gunners were once again undone by a lack of concentration and organization during set pieces.
While Arsenal have been linked with a number of young and talented defenders in the transfer market, it seems that their struggles at the back may not be entirely solved by fresh faces. The club’s vulnerability to set pieces has been a long-standing issue, and one that needs urgent attention if they are to challenge for top honors.
As the team continues to search for solutions, it is clear that they must prioritize defensive solidity and consistency in order to avoid dropping points unnecessarily. While the temptation to invest in young and exciting prospects is strong, Arsenal must not lose sight of the basics of defending if they are to progress.
Set piece FC have once again highlighted the importance of focusing on the fundamentals, and it is clear that Arsenal must address this issue sooner rather than later. Only then can they hope to compete with the best teams in the league and fulfill their ambitions of returning to the top of English football.
Park City Mountain ski patrollers picket at Canyons Village on Friday. Clayton Steward/Park Record
Aspen ski patrollers came out in support of the Park City patrollers’ union Unfair Labor Practices strike, which entered its seventh day on Friday.
The Aspen Professional Ski Patrol Association (APSPA) wrote an op-ed supporting the strike in The Aspen Times on Monday.
“We stand in solidarity with the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) and their recent strike against Vail Resorts’ unfair labor practices,” wrote the union board.
APSPA Union President Luke DeMuth said they support the strike as Park City’s parent company, Vail Resorts, has refused to discuss increased pay and benefits for patrollers.
“They’re not even willing to discuss liveable wages for ski patrollers and tenured staff,” DeMuth said.
Guests ride the cabriolet up towards the mountain on Friday while Park City Mountain ski patrollers picket at a parking lot on Friday.20250103_StrikeCanyonsPCMR_CS_03-scaled
As the Aspen patroller’s union approaches its contract renegotiations with the Aspen Skiing Company this April, he said they look to keep an amicable relationship. The contract renegotiation takes place between the patrollers union and SkiCo representatives every two years. Historically the union, founded in 1986, has succeeded in negotiating fair and reasonable contracts with SkiCo, he said.
“Neither APSPA nor SkiCo want to get into a situation like Park City,” he said.
Though DeMuth said he couldn’t reveal specifics, he told The Aspen Times in December that they seek to increase patroller base pay, benefits, and equipment allowance.
Aspen Skiing Company CEO Geoff Buchheister told The Aspen Times in a statement that they expect to continue a collaborative relationship with the APSPA union in negotiations this spring.
“We have had a long, productive relationship with our patrol union since 1986. Over ~40 years we have partnered together successfully through ~20 contract negotiations,” he wrote in an email.
“Across our four mountains, our patrols have continually performed at the highest level, are critical to our collective safety, and our entire community appreciates the professionalism and expertise they bring to the job and to our guests,” he added. “Across Aspen One, we realize our employees are the lifeblood and magic of our organization. That is why we lead the industry in pay and benefits and will continue to do so.”
The Aspen Highlands Ski Patrol comes to the aid of an injured skier.Anna Stonehouse/The Aspen Times archive
Alternatively, Vail Resorts failed for months to enter negotiations with the Park City patrollers’ union to renegotiate pay and benefits, said Quinn Graves, business manager for the Park City union. The Park City patrollers’ union began an unfair labor practices strike on Dec. 27.
Problems started last spring when the union tried to renegotiate with Vail Resorts after their contract expired in April, Graves said. After coming to various agreements with Vail Resorts, the union proposed an economic and benefits package in September.
“We did not hear anything back from the company until almost the end of November, when the resort opened,” she said. “And they gave us a pretty terrible counter offer.”
In the following weeks, she said they made little progress coming to an agreement with the company.
On Dec. 12, the union decided to rally outside of the negotiation room to advocate for a fair contract, Graves said.
“The company did not love that,” she said.
The following day, the union came to an agreement to strike after passing a unanimous vote among almost all of its 200 represented members, she said.
They authorized the strike on the grounds of unfair labor practices under the National Labor Relations Act, which included the company’s unwillingness to furnish information or present information about operations and metrics, she said. The company’s postponement of negotiations also constituted an unfair labor practice, she said.
Once in motion, the union filed notice of additional unfair labor practices, including intimidation against striking employees and retaliation against striking employees, Graves said.
Immediately prior to the strike, she said company management was told to call employees they thought might cross the picket line before the union initiated the strike, which is seen as intimidation according to the National Labor Relations Act. Once the strike began, the Vail Resorts’ lawyers sent an email to the union, threatening their employee benefits.
The company turned off the striking employees’ passes as well as their dependents’ passes, prohibiting access to ski school for patroller’s children, Graves said.
“They have threatened to take away our health insurance if this strike is to last for more than two pay periods,” she said.
They have also threatened to evict people from employee housing and to bar patrollers from taking their children to the company’s day care, she said.
Bill Rock, president of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division, was quoted in a Park City media statement Friday.
“While we had sincerely hoped the union would not take this drastic and unnecessary action during the holidays, we have plans in place to continue to safely operate Park City Mountain for our guests, employees, and the community,” Rock said.
“We deeply regret that this is having any level of impact on the guest experience and are grateful to our thousands of employees who are working hard every day to enable the experience at Park City Mountain and open the terrain that we can safely open,” he added.
In all of the negotiations, Graves said they are asking for basic steps forward.
The union wants a minimum wage raise for patrollers from $21 to $23 and wants their seasonal employees to qualify for paid parental leave. As it stands, many patrollers don’t work enough annual hours to qualify, she said. And they want to decompress the patroller pay scale. Some patrollers who have 20 years of experience make the same as those who have five, she said.
“People should be compensated for their time and expertise,” she said.
Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch made $6.3 million in total compensation last year according to Salary.com.
“We think some of that money can be redistributed to the people with boots on the ground, working,” Graves said.
Skyler Stark-Ragsdale can be reached at 970-429-9152 or email him at sstark-ragsdale@aspentimes.com.
Aspen Ski Patrollers’ Union Stands in Solidarity with Park City Ski Resort Workers
In a show of unity and support, the Aspen Ski Patrollers’ Union has announced their backing of the ongoing strike at Park City Ski Resort. The strike, which began last week, is in response to unfair labor practices and inadequate wages for workers at the popular Utah ski destination.
The Aspen Ski Patrollers’ Union, known for their dedication to fair labor practices and worker rights, has pledged their full support to the striking workers at Park City. In a statement released today, the union stated, “We stand in solidarity with our fellow ski resort workers at Park City. We believe that all workers deserve fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect from their employers. We will not stand idly by while workers are mistreated and undervalued.”
The strike at Park City Ski Resort has garnered national attention, with workers demanding better pay, improved benefits, and a voice in the workplace. The Aspen Ski Patrollers’ Union’s support adds to the growing momentum of the strike, showing that workers across the ski industry are united in their fight for fair treatment.
As the strike at Park City continues, the Aspen Ski Patrollers’ Union has urged ski resort patrons to show their support for the striking workers by boycotting the resort until their demands are met. They have also called on other ski resort workers and unions to join them in supporting the strike and standing up for worker rights in the industry.
The solidarity between the Aspen Ski Patrollers’ Union and the striking workers at Park City is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from workers standing together in the face of injustice. As the strike continues, the union has vowed to stand by their fellow workers and fight for a fair resolution to the labor dispute.
Members of Vail Ski Patrol train new workers in 2017. Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily archive
Managers from Vail Mountain have been sent to Park City to keep operations running there as ski patrollers from the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association began striking Friday morning, calling for better wages and working conditions. Both Park City ski area and Vail Mountain are owned by Vail Resorts.
Vail Mountain’s ski patrol director and senior manager of health and safety are among those who have been sent, according to a person familiar with the situation who agreed to speak off the record.
Vail and Beaver Creek spokesperson John Plack said while he can’t comment on specific employee locations or assignments, he can confirm that a patrol support team has been deployed “to help support operational continuity.”
That team “consists of experienced patrollers from Park City Mountain and our other mountain resorts,” Plack said.
While Plack described the strike as a “drastic action,” the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association, in a statement issued Friday, said it did everything in its power to avoid the work stoppage.
The union is asking for ski patrol members to start at $23 an hour rather than $21, saying the $21 starting wage is not enough to make a living in Park City.
Workers have pointed to the seven-figure salaries of Vail’s top brass to showcase the gap between those on the ground and those in the executive suites, with CEO Kirsten Lynch receiving a total compensation package of $6,288,586 for fiscal year 2024, Executive Chairperson Rob Katz earning a compensation package of $2,202,070 and Executive Vice President Angela Korch earning a compensation package of $2,183,196.
Safety concerns cited
The union said the move to fly in managers from other states is part of an anti-worker strategy that helps the company avoid coming to the table with a reasonable offer.
“Vail Resorts forced this walkout by bargaining in bad faith and repeatedly violating the National Labor Relations Act,” the union said in a statement issued on Friday morning. “Consistent with Vail’s bad faith tactics, after yesterday’s seven-hour negotiation session with a mediator present, the company continued to refuse to give a counteroffer on wages or benefits. They have had two weeks to prepare a counter proposal.”
Workers in Park City have described the practice of sending in out-of-town managers as dangerous, saying those employees “do not know the resort, and do not know our protocols.”
A worker in Vail expressed concern over losing the ski patrol director during the busiest time of the season, something the Park City Ski Patrollers Union also agreed is concerning.
“This move from the company will make the guest we care about here in Park City unsafe, and make all guests unsafe at the resorts where these employees are being pulled from,” the union said in a post published Dec. 24.
Plack said Vail Resorts remains committed to safety.
“As always, safety is our top priority,” he said.
Halt on consumer spending requested
The union has asked skiers and snowboarders in all states where Vail Resorts operates to halt spending at company-owned properties for the duration of this strike.
“Do not purchase day tickets or food from Vail owned dining. Do not use Vail-owned rental shops or retail stores. Do not stay in Vail-owned hotels. Instead, buy and support local businesses,” the union said in a statement.
Vail Resorts-owned or operated hotels include the Arrabelle, the Lodge at Vail and the Hythe. Vail Resorts-owned restaurants include the on-mountain restaurants at Mid-Vail, Two Elk, Wildwood and Eagle’s Nest, as well as Tavern on the Square in Lionshead.
Attention all skiers and snowboarders! Managers from Vail Mountain have been deployed to Park City as ski patrollers go on strike for better wages.
The ski patrollers at Park City are demanding fair compensation for their hard work and dedication to keeping the slopes safe for all guests. In response to the strike, Vail Mountain has sent experienced managers to help ensure the safety and security of the mountain while negotiations continue.
While we support the ski patrollers in their fight for fair wages, we also appreciate the dedication of the managers from Vail who have stepped up to fill in during this time of need. We hope for a swift resolution to the strike so that everyone can get back to enjoying the slopes.
In the meantime, let’s show our support for the ski patrollers and their efforts to secure better wages and working conditions. We all deserve to enjoy the mountains, and that starts with fair treatment for those who make it all possible. #SupportSkiPatrollers #FairWagesForAll
Park City Mountain base area at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday Dec. 29 Photo: Park City Mountain Webcam
Historical data reveals that with a 42″ average snow pack for last week, 34 lifts and 177 trails (50% of the mountain) should have been planned to open, compared to just 18% actually available.
PARK CITY, Utah – Holiday visitors to Park City Mountain Resort are voicing frustration as limited open terrain coincides with the Park City Ski Patrol Union’s ongoing strike against Vail Resorts, Inc (NYSE:MTN). During one of the busiest weeks of the year, guests endured hours-long lift lines, compounded by weather-related delays despite much-needed snowfall.
Historical data reveals that with a 42″ average snow pack for last week, 34 lifts and 177 trails (50% of the mountain) should have been planned to open, compared to just 18% actually available.
TownLift’s analysis of seven years of 5 a.m. operational tweets shows that last week saw the fewest lifts and trails planned to open relative to snowpack depth in recent history.
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In December, as the strike was looming, Deirdra Walsh, VP & COO for Park City Mountain told KPCW there would be no impacts to mountain operations, should the Park City Ski Patrol Union decide to strike.
The Data
Every morning of winter operations Park City Mountain shares an operational update including a 5 a.m. snow report with planned trail, and lift openings to the account ParkCityMtnAlert on X (formerly Twitter) platform.
PCMtnAlert Dec 30, 2024
TownLift analyzed seven years of 5 a.m. snow reports for December 27 – January 2, the strike’s first week. The table below averages out the resort reported totals for each week day and compiles a year over year view with a seven year average.
Average Snow Depth, Trails, and Lifts Open (December 27 – January 2, Last 7 Years)
Data Variability and Averages For the last three seasons, base depth has been reported from Mid-Mountain, while earlier reports used Jupiter and an undisclosed location in 2020/21. TownLift’s snowpack analysis focuses on the last three seasons but includes all available data. When multiple base depths were reported, the highest base depth value was used. Notably, once base depth reaches a certain level, trails and lifts tend to open more quickly and broadly. For consistency, data for December 27 to January 2 was averaged to account for anomalies such as power outages or storm days.
Snowmaking capacity varies each year based on temperature, and significant investments in snowmaking capacity are not reflected in these reports.
We have made the spreadsheet of data extracted from the daily mountain operations updates publicly available here, you can clone your own version for individual analysis. If you come up with something interesting lets us know tips@townlift.com
Snow Pack the week of Dec 27 – Jan 2 for the last 7 years.
PCMtnAlert Snowpack Average for the Week of December 27 – January 2 (Last 7 Years)
The average reported snowpack for the week of December 27 to January 2 over the past seven years is 42 inches. Coincidentally, the snowpack during the first week of the ski patrol union strike matched this average, sitting just below the trendline for average snow depth over the same period. Notably, the average snow depth for the week this year was 10 inches greater than the same week last year at 32″.
Average percent of lifts & trails open for the week of Dec 27 – Jan 2
Average Percentage of Lifts and Trails Open for the Week of December 27 – January 2 (Last 7 Years )
Not taking snow pack into consideration this is the percentage of available trails and lifts that were open for the week on average over the last 7 years. Last season the resort had 46% more terrain open and 24% less snow ( 32″ base vs 42″ base this year) for the same week of operations. Noting the undisclosed base depth location in 20/21, the only week with less lifts and trails open was the 20/21 season when the reported average base depth was 20″ vs the 24/25 season with just over double that average base depth with 42″.
Open Trails VS Snow Pack Depth
Number of Open Trails vs. Snow pack Depth for the Week of December 27 – January 2 (Last 7 Years)
The greater the gap between the red and blue lines indicates the typical number of trails open relative to snow pack depth. In the 2023/24 season, with a 32″ average base depth, 135 trails were open. The closest comparison is the 2020/21 season, which had 58 trails open—just slightly below this year’s 63—despite a reported base depth of only 20″ (location undisclosed), less than half of this season’s depth.
Trails Open Per Inch of Base Depth
Lifts and Trails per Inch of Base Depth (December 27 – January 2, Last 7 Years)
By dividing open trails by base depth, we calculate the average number of trails open per inch of snow pack base. In 2022/23 (65″ base) and 2023/24 (32″ base), the averages were 4.8 and 4.3 trails open per inch of base, respectively. This year, with a 42″ base, the resort reported a record low of 1.5 trails per inch of base.
Long Lines, Lifts & Trails not opening
As the strike began on Dec. 27, Walsh said, “We want to reassure skiers and snowboarders, our employees, and this community that despite the union’s actions, Park City Mountain will remain open with safety as our top priority, and all planned terrain will be open thanks to patrol leaders from Park City Mountain and our other mountain resorts.”
A Jan 3 Instagram update from the resort says “While we haven’t been able to open all the terrain we would like to, we are pleased to have opened 30 new trails this week, with more on the way. We want to thank our guests for their patience and reassure you that we are opening the terrain we can safely open with the team members we have each day.”
Representatives from Park City Mountain and Vail Resorts have not yet responded to multiple request for comment on impacts to operations as a results of the ski patrol union strike.
Guests and locals have filed countless complaints in regards to the limited trails and lifts that the resort has been able to open during the strike including 100’s of emails received by TownLift.
Parkite, JF Lanvers shared with TownLift in a letter address to Kirsten Lynch, “I quit skiing Park City Mountain on December 27 as no more terrain opened up in spite of all the new snow we received. I now feel that I am not getting the value I was due when I purchased my pass in May,”
Seven Years of Tweets for December 30
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Recently released data shows that Park City Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in Utah, has experienced a significant decrease in open terrain during the ongoing strike by ski patrollers. According to the data, the resort’s open terrain has hit a seven-year low as a result of the strike.
The strike, which began several weeks ago, has led to disruptions in ski patrol services and safety protocols at the resort. As a result, Park City Mountain has been forced to limit access to certain areas of the mountain, leading to a decrease in open terrain for skiers and snowboarders.
The data also reveals that visitor numbers have dropped significantly since the strike began, with many guests opting to ski at other nearby resorts instead. This decline in visitors has had a negative impact on the resort’s revenue and overall business operations.
Park City Mountain has stated that they are working to resolve the strike and ensure that all safety protocols are being met. In the meantime, skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to check the resort’s website for updates on open terrain and any changes to operating hours.
As the strike continues, it remains to be seen how Park City Mountain will address the challenges it is facing and how it will impact the remainder of the ski season. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
Avalanche mitigation booms echoed across town Thursday, Jan. 2, as Park City Mountain entered the seventh day of the ski patrol union strike.
After 4 inches of new snowfall, negotiators for the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association and Vail Resorts met with a federal mediator again Thursday afternoon. There’s still no sign of when the strike will end.
Resort officials say they’ve been able to open less terrain than planned in part because of the strike. Guests have reported long lines and safety concerns.
KPCW caught up with New Jersey skier Nathan Gillman while he was in line at Bonanza Express. He said people have been venturing into closed terrain.
“The mountain, in response, closed a run to the run, so you had to duck two ropes to get to this closed run that hundreds of people were ducking,” he said. “And it didn’t really stop anybody. They had lost control of the mountain earlier this week.”
Bill Rock, Vail’s mountain division president and Park City Mountain’s former COO, is back in Utah after patrollers walked about a week ago.
The union and the company have tentative agreement on education and training packages, but not wages or benefits. The patrollers want an extra $2 in base pay across all U.S. resorts.
Skiers wait in line at Park City Mountain Jan. 2, 2025.
KPCW asked Rock whether the strike has hurt Vail Resorts’ brand.
“Our focus right now is to operate as effectively as we can and deliver the guest experience for our guests who are in town,” Rock said. “After the strike is over, there’ll be a lot of assessment of what happened and how we got here. I’m incredibly proud of the team that’s showing up every day to deliver the experience that we can deliver safely with the team that we have.”
Park City Mountain has disabled comments on recent social media posts as users pile on complaints.
Vail Resorts’ stock dropped more than 6% Jan. 2, the same day MarketBeat reported that JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped two thirds of its Vail shares this quarter. It now owns less than 2% of the company.
“If you want to be in a travel stock, if you want to run a travel and a leisure company, you darn well better give the experience that you’re advertising. Because if you don’t, you will get negative PR and you will get non-repeating customers,” Lebenthal said.
When it comes to ski patrol, Gillman, who has skied for more than 30 years, said his opinion has improved.
“On a normal day, I don’t like patrol. You know, they’re there to take your pass, or if you cut a line, or break a rule, or you seem too fast,” he said. “But this year … has really humanized patrol, made me realize just who they are and what they do and how important they are.”
Among other safety concerns, Gillman claims he waited for 20 minutes on Another World with a skier who tore their meniscus before safety personnel responded to verify the guest needed a toboggan.
Rock reiterated to KPCW that safety protocols haven’t changed as a result of the walkout, and union business manager Quinn Graves said response times vary depending on where guests are injured.
Gillman’s an Epic passholder who spent all of December skiing in Colorado and said his experience at Vail’s flagship resort was far better. He arrived in Utah on the first day of the strike and confessed a bit of “morbid curiosity.”
“I’m smart enough to know not to come here. But there’s part of me that is like, I would like to see what happens when ski patrol goes on strike,” Gillman said. He doesn’t plan to renew his Epic Pass.
As the strike continues, more snow is expected at Park City Mountain Saturday.
KPCW’s Parker Malatesta contributed reporting.
In a surprising turn of events, the ski patrol at Park City Mountain Resort has gone on strike, leaving both staff and guests scrambling to ensure safety on the slopes. The strike, which has been ongoing for a week now, has put a strain on the resort’s operations and has raised concerns about the safety of skiers and snowboarders.
The ski patrol, responsible for ensuring the safety of guests and responding to emergencies on the mountain, has been demanding better working conditions and higher pay. Despite negotiations between the patrol and resort management, a resolution has yet to be reached, leaving the ski patrol members on strike.
As a result, other staff members and volunteers have been stepping in to help fill the gaps left by the striking patrol members. This has put additional stress on an already busy ski season, with long lift lines and crowded slopes becoming more common.
Guests have also been feeling the effects of the strike, with longer response times to emergencies and less visible presence of ski patrol on the mountain. Many are expressing concerns about their safety and are calling for a resolution to be reached soon.
Park City Mountain Resort has issued a statement assuring guests that they are working to address the situation and ensure the safety of all visitors. In the meantime, they are asking for patience and understanding as they navigate through this challenging time.
As the strike continues, both staff and guests are hoping for a swift resolution that will allow the ski patrol to return to their duties and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the mountain.
Tags:
ski patrol strike, Park City Mountain, staff, guests, week-long, ski resort, labor dispute, employee strike, ski season, mountain operations, ski safety, ski vacation, Park City, Utah
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