Max Magill, President of the United Mountain Workers (Communications Workers of America Local 7781) joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent victory for ski patrollers at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah. The strike, which lasted 12 days during the peak ski season, resulted in significant gains for workers and highlighted the power of union solidarity.
Magill, a 10-year veteran ski patroller, has been at the forefront of labor organizing in the ski industry. As president of United Mountain Workers, he represents approximately 1,100 employees across 14 ski resorts in four states. He explained what led the ski patrollers to walk off the job after negotiations stalled with Vail Resorts, the parent company of Park City Mountain Resort.
The strike began Dec. 27 during the resort’s busy season. This proved crucial in applying pressure on Vail Resorts. Magill revealed that the company's stock price took a significant hit. This financial impact, coupled with media attention and shareholder pressure, ultimately led to meaningful negotiations, he said.
The new contract includes wage increases, with the average raise being about $4 per hour. The agreement also addresses wage compression, providing significant benefits to experienced patrollers who had previously seen their wages stagnate after a few years on the job. With the wage increase, one of the primary challenges ski patrollers face is being alleviated. Before the contract, Magill shared insights into how workers struggle to make ends meet, often relying on multiple jobs or creative living arrangements.
For the full discussion with Max Magill, listen to the complete episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast.