Cascades Casino workers going on strike

Jun 27, 2018 | 10:36 AM

KAMLOOPS — Cascades Casino workers in Kamloops are getting set to walk off the job.

The BC Government Employees Union confirmed today that the union issued 72-hour strike notice Tuesday following failed mediation talks with Gateway Casinos Monday.

“We entered mediation with the hope that Gateway would present a reasonable offer in a timely way but we were met with more stall tactics,” says President Stephanie Smith.

“When it became clear that the company was not going to make an acceptable offer, the bargaining committee decided to exercise the strike mandate given to them by the workers.”

Close to 700 casino workers province-wide will be striking — including over 200 workers in Kamloops.

BCGEU members voted overwhelmingly in favour of going on strike earlier this month.

The main sticking point in the dispute is wages.

The last contract between the sides expired in September 2017.