Members of the British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) working at casinos petitioned BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) this week demanding fairness in wages and working conditions at casinos across the province.
Workers from several British Columbia casinos held a rally outside the BCLC office in Vancouver
On Monday, several workers from multiple BC casinos gathered outside the BCLC office in Vancouver for a rally with BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. Following the protest, a delegation entered the office to deliver hundreds of petition cards signed by casino workers to the BCLC.
“Casino workers from across the province have had enough,” says Smith. “We are appealing to BCLC to help ensure fairness across the gaming industry.
“When companies like Great Canadian Gaming and Gateway Casinos rake in billions of dollars year after year but refuse to pay workers a living wage, there is something wrong with the industry.
“We’re asking BCLC to step in and fix the problems in the gaming sector — starting with the way workers are treated.”
According to the Vernon Morning Star, over 400 BCGEU members at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver have been on strike since May 11, 2018. More than 675 workers at Gateway Casinos in the Okanagan (including Vernon’s Lake City Casino) voted 93.1 percent in favor of striking last week.
More than 1,000 staff members at Gateway’s Grand Villa and Starlight casinos are in bargaining with their employer
Furthermore, over 1,000 staff working at Gateway’s Grand Villa and Starlight casinos in the lower mainland are in bargaining with their employer as well.
“Casino workers are asking for fair wages, benefits and respect on the job,” says Smith. “It’s the staff who make their casinos profitable and they deserve to share in that success.”
The petition, signed by hundreds of casino workers across the province, states as follows: “Gaming in B.C. suffers from poor management, disrespectful workplace atmosphere, low public perception and confidence, exploitative working conditions and excessive secrecy.
“In light of this, we demand that British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) provide: Immediate intervention to take responsibility for the conduct and management of gaming on behalf of the government as set out in the Gaming Control Act by Ensuring a fair and speedy resolution to the labor dispute at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver; and Enforcing fairness across the entire industry.”
BCGEU represents thousands of casino workers in the province. BCGEU members are working in table games, as slot attendants, cashiers, maintenance, kitchen staff, security, and guest service employees.
