Mediation between Gateway Casinos and over 675 members of the BC Government and Service Employees鈥� Union (BCGEU) on strike officially broke off on Saturday, July 21 - the same day that saw hundreds of supporters flock to the picket lines across all four sites in the Thompson Okanagan.
鈥淲e made moves on our end in mediation trying to get to a deal, but Gateway still refuses to pay its workers what they are worth,鈥� Doug Kinna, BCGEU executive vice president said in a press release. 鈥淕ateway keeps saying publicly that they want our members back at work but, behind closed doors, they are offering insulting wage proposals that don鈥檛 even keep up with planned minimum wage increases.鈥�
Related: Show of union solidarity on casino picket lines
Community and other union members in Kamloops, Vernon, 琉璃神社 and Penticton showed up on the picket lines in large numbers on Saturday for solidarity rallies across the region.
鈥淥ur members on strike receive incredible, ongoing support from their communities and the labour movement as a whole,鈥漃aul Finch, BCGEU treasurer said in a press release. 鈥淭he public knows the casino industry is booming and that workers are the key to Gateway鈥檚 success - they know the company needs to do the right thing and compensate its employees properly.鈥�
There are currently no new dates set for mediation.
Related: Further mediated talks scheduled in casino strike
鈥淭hese picket lines are strong and they will be up until Gateway agrees to pay a living wage,鈥� Finch said.
BCGEU members working at four Gateway Casinos in the Okanagan walked off the job on Friday, June 29 after mediation broke down with their employer. Workers are asking for living wages, better working conditions and respect on the job.
BCGEU represents staff spread across Gateway鈥檚 four casinos in the Okanagan: Playtime Casino in 琉璃神社, 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.
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