About HSTU Local 261. On November 1, 1956, The Hospitality & Service Trades Union, Local 261 received its charter as a registered union and from that day forward we have been representing members in the hospitality industry. Today Local 261 is the leading union for hotel and food service workers in Canada's Capital Region. The Local has a strong tradition of organizing, and its members enjoy some of the highest standards in Canada. Like its parent union, UNITE HERE International, Local 261 has maintained its focus on the core hospitality industries since its inception. Approximately 1200 members work in over 15 hotels; another 1000 members are employed in cafeterias and restaurants, predominantly operated by the three big food service firms, Aramark, Sodexo and Compass, and 300 members work at the Ottawa International Airport. UNITE HERE Canada represents just over 20,000 workers, predominantly in the hotel and food service industry, in major urban areas as well as remote camps. more... See more text