Jackson Hole Ski Patrol takes steps to unionize

The Jackson Hole Ski Patrol has taken the first step to unionize in an effort to secure “fair compensation, comprehensive benefits and equitable career incentives,” the group said in a statement.

Tyler Babcock, a nine-year Jackson Hole ski patroller, told WyoFile that 93% of eligible patrol members signed the petition filed Thursday with the National Labor Relations Board and support a vote to decide whether to be recognized under law as a union. Patrol members who did not sign the petition hold management positions and, as such, are prohibited from forming a union under the National Labor Relations Act.

A vote could be bypassed if the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort voluntarily recognizes the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol as a union. 

“That is a potential outcome,” Babcock said. “But more than likely, we will hold a vote. That vote will likely take place in the next four to six weeks. While there’s a lot of unity in our group, we don’t want to be presumptuous,” Babcock said. “We want to allow everybody in our group to make their own independent decisions.” 

If the unionization drive succeeds, the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol would join the Communications Workers of America, which has already successfully negotiated contracts for patrollers and ski lift operators with resorts across the country. The movement to unionize under the Communications Workers of America gained national attention after the Park City Ski Patrol ended a months-long strike last winter by negotiating a contract with Vail Resorts for higher wages, better parental leave and educational opportunities. 

According to Babcock, the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol is already a tight-knit group, and “forming a union would just make it official.” Seeking livable wages is only a small piece of what it means to form a union, he said. 

Unionization would enable the patrol to negotiate for a variety of needs, from working conditions to benefits, Babcock emphasized. He said that all of the seasonally employed ski patrollers, many with families who have worked for the resort for decades, lack access to basic health insurance. He noted that this is especially critical right now because “the Affordable Care Act is about to crumble” — an apparent reference to the expiration of tax credits that subsidize health insurance plans bought through the federal marketplace. 

The effort to unionize will improve job security, helping to create a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone, Babcock said. In order to protect the public, he stressed that long-time, experienced patrollers are needed to successfully perform complicated and dangerous jobs.    

“In a town that has the largest income inequality gap in the country — if you are able to make a sustainable living in a town like this, then you’re going to have longevity,” Babcock said. “As ski patrollers, institutional knowledge is important in this job. You don’t really want a young, inexperienced person coming in to perform avalanche mitigation with explosives.”

“The skills and institutional knowledge acquired through years on the job is critical and irreplaceable for maintaining the highest safety and operational standards,” the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol said in a press release. “JHSP is committed to ensuring JHMR maintains its position as a leader in mountain safety and guest experience. Unionizing will help patrollers secure the stability, representation and long-term foundation necessary to provide the world-class experience Jackson Hole is known for.”

While it is too early in the process to request specific changes, Jackson Hole Ski Patrol is asking its employer, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, to have a seat at the table. 

The resort issued its own statement in response to the ski patrol’s union petition: “We care deeply about every member of our team, and we value the important role ski patrol plays at our resort. We are committed to listening, engaging respectfully and continuing open dialog. Our focus is to work together toward an outcome that supports our employees and the exceptional experience we strive to create for our guests and our mountain community.”

Forming a union can take months or even years, so in the meantime, the patrol’s priority is to open the resort on time — Nov. 28. When asked about the possibility of a walkout or strike, Babcock said that patrollers are committed to their work and not interested in a fight.

“We love our jobs,” Babcock said. “We look forward to going to work at the resort. That’s really what we are focused on. It’s business as usual. We hope snow continues to accumulate.”

If certified, the patrol will organize as the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol Union under Communications Workers of America Local 7781, United Mountain Workers.