Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado will reopen this weekend after a ski patrol strike ended with a new labor agreement
Telluride Ski Resort to Reopen After Strike Agreement
TELLURIDE, Colo. – Telluride Ski Resort will reopen this weekend. This follows an agreement between the ski resort and the ski patrol union, ending a strike that began in late December.
Telluride Mayor Teddy Errico informed Denver7 that a deal was reached between both parties to end the strike.
In a news release, Telluride Ski Resort stated, “We are delighted that the two parties came to an agreement today. It has been a lot of work, but we are confident that this last offer represented a fair compromise.”
The terms of the agreement are not yet available. The resort mentioned that the proposal was made to the ski patrol union on Tuesday. The membership voted to accept the offer on Thursday.
Impact of the Strike
The Telluride ski patrol strike forced the resort to close, affecting nearby towns. Denver7 reported that the union requested a 35% increase in average patroller wage rates over the next three years. The resort’s “last best and final offer” included a 23% increase.
The union rejected the resort’s offer, leading to the closure on December 27.
Telluride announced plans to begin reopening the mountain. “Lift 4 will open on Saturday with additional runs of Butterfly, Lower Misty Maiden, and Boomerang. The next objective will be to open the ‘Super Loop’ with more lifts and terrain to follow,” according to a news release.
Union Statement
Denver7 obtained a statement from the ski patrollers union. The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association announced that they have ratified their contract with Telluride Ski and Golf Resort. They expressed excitement to return to work immediately.
The TPSPA stated, “While we are ultimately very disappointed to not address our broken wage structure, we are immensely proud of our efforts that have led to this financial movement.” They emphasized the need for a sustainable career path and acknowledged the support received during the strike.
The union also mentioned, “Increased retention equals increased safety. No work stoppage is painless, and all compromises are uncomfortable.” They expressed gratitude for community support during this challenging time.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Strike Begins | Late December | Strike by ski patrol union |
| Resort Closure | December 27 | Closure due to strike |
| Proposal Made | Tuesday | Proposal to ski patrol union |
| Vote to Accept | Thursday | Union accepts proposal |
| Lift Opening | Saturday | Lift 4 and additional runs open |
