FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2018

Casino workers go back to work after achieving wage increases, improved benefits 

(Thompson-Okanagan) Nearly 700 members of the BCGEU working in Gateway Casinos in the Thompson-Okanagan voted to ratify a new contract with their employer ending a 19-week strike.

"I am so impressed by the solidarity and courage of our members" said Stephanie Smith, president of the BCGEU. "They should be proud of what they achieved by sticking together throughout the bargaining process, especially over the past 19 weeks on the picket line."

The four-year deal includes an average 23.5% wage increase over the life of the agreement and improved benefits – particularly for part-time workers.

"Our members are going back to work, which is great news," Smith continued. "But the ratification vote was close, which means there is more work to be done in all four of these workplaces. That work starts as soon as the picket lines come down."

Casino workers will begin heading back to work over the weekend as operations resume to pre-strike levels.

"On behalf of our members I want to thank our friends in the communities of Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon and our friends in the labour movement for their support during the strike," said Smith. 

BCGEU represents staff spread across Gateway's four casinos in the Thompson-Okanagan: Playtime Casino in Kelowna, Lake City Casino in Vernon, and Cascades Casinos in Kamloops and Penticton. BCGEU members work in table games, as slot attendants, cashiers, in the count room, kitchen, security, guest services and maintenance.

UWU/MoveUP