By Greg Fry

No end in sight in casino strike

Aug 21, 2018 | 4:10 PM

KAMLOOPS — No movement to report when it comes to the BC Government’s Employee Union’s (BCGEU) strike at Gateway Casino locations in Kamloops and the Okanagan.

Roughly 675 workers walked off the job on June 29 and currently there are no talks scheduled to help end the dispute.

“Right now we have not heard from the union and currently we have no dates confirmed with the mediator,” says Tanya Gabara, director of public relations with Gateway.

Previous bargaining and mediation sessions have failed to bridge the gap in the dispute with wages being the main sticking point.

Gabara lays the blame for that on the union.

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“You know the unfortunate part is the union hasn’t stayed at the table for us to continue bargaining. But again, we’re ever hopeful we can get back to the table and reach a fair settlement.”

So, what kind of an impact is the strike having on business?

“Well, I think the impact is really to the customer experience,” she says. “Obviously we are operating reduced hours and limited amenities. So, it’s really unfortunate the customers that are wanting to come see us are not getting the experience that they’ve come to know and appreciate from a Gateway casino.”

Gabara dismissed the BCGEU call Monday to investigate possible safety violations during the strike by Gateway.

President Stephanie Smith said, based on what what their members have witnessed or heard, Gateway “hasn’t been living up to their obligations under BCLC and provincial gaming laws and regulations during this strike.”

She says the alleged incidents range in seriousness from failing to comply with regulations around ID’ing patrons to a failing to identify what would normally be flagged as suspicious behaviour, possibly related to money-laundering.

“These allegations are false,” counters Gabara. “The regulatory oversight for our properties has not changed and we continue to operate squarely within them and remain open for business.”

The BCGEU did not respond to a CFJC Today interview request for comment on this story.