Workers at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver May 11 announced a strike after months of talks with the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation failed to produce an agreement. However, British Columbia’s largest casino remained open with slot machines and some table games.
Most other services remained available for guests. Only two restaurants will remain open. All shows and events will continue as schedule.
BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGSEU) has 74,000 members across the province, including 400 workers at the Hard Rock, including cashiers, slot attendants, table game workers, count room staff, kitchen staff, security guards and guest services personnel.
General Manager Jimmy Ho said the casino has been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the union for 16 months.
Wages are not at issue since the workers are covered by the province’s minimum wage. At issue are health benefits and an improved pension plan. Workers also want more balanced work hours. The casino was unionized in 2016 and began negotiations with management in 2017. In February 99.5 percent of the membership voted to strike, which led to a mediation between the sides as required by law.
However, the mediation failed to produce an agreement.
Ho called the proposed collective agreement “at or above industry standards.”
