By Greg Fry

Cascades Casino workers vote in favour of strike action

Jun 8, 2018 | 4:18 PM

KAMLOOPS  — Workers at Gateway Casinos across the Thompson-Okanagan — including over 200 at Cascades Casino in Kamloops — are getting set to walk off the job unless they get a new contract offer from their employer.

In a vote held from June 4 to June 6, 88 per cent of nearly 700 BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU) workers in Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon voted 93.1 per cent in favour of strike action.

“Gateway workers in the Okanagan are sending a clear message to their employer: they will not settle for less than the fair wages, benefits and respect they deserve,” says BCGEU President Stephanie Smith.

She says negotiations for a new collective agreement broke off in May after the employer refused to offer wages and benefits that are industry standard at comparable casinos.

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Smith calls the employer’s offer “unacceptable” and says the wages Gateway is offering “won’t even keep ahead of the planned minimum wage increases.”

“You know these are four very profitable casinos and our workers who work in this industry are part of ensuring that that profit happens. They provide the experience for the clients and we’re asking the employer to recognize that they need family supporting wages.”

She says strike preparations are now underway though the union has yet to issue 72-hour strike notice adding “the ball is now in Gateway’s court.”

The last deal between the two parties expired in September of 2017.

BCGEU members at Gateway Casinos work in table games, as slot attendants, cashiers, in the count room, kitchen, security, guest services and maintenance.