Normally when casino workers go on strike, it cripples or in some cases shuts down the casino.
Striking workers in British Columbia are demanding to know why that isn’t happening at four casinos operated by Gateway Casinos, where about 700 workers went on strike beginning June 29. They seek higher wages and better working conditions.
Last week about 30 members of BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) picketed the front of the BC Lottery Corporation’s main office in Kamloops, demanding an investigation as to whether the casinos are operating safety during the strike. They chanted “Shut them down” and “We want answers.”
BCGEU President Stephanie Smith declared, “Based on what our members have witnessed and reports we’ve heard, it sounds like Gateway hasn’t been living up to their obligations under BCLC and provincial gaming laws and regulations during this strike.”
The union says it has heard reports of the casinos failing to comply with regulations relating to money laundering and proper ID checking; problems that BC casinos have had when they were fully staffed.
Smith said, “Security officers are required to have a certification to provide security within the casinos. We’ve been told by the excluded management that are currently working those positions that they don’t have that certification.”
Smith called for BCLC to shut down the casinos, “until the company can demonstrate that they are willing and able to operate responsibly.”
She alleged that a very intoxicated casino patron was seen to leave the casino and go to his car, something that would normally set off red flags. Smith said the allegations are not a “bargaining tactic.” “This is about raising awareness to BCLC that we think something needs to be investigated. How are these casinos operating behind our picket lines?” she said.
A spokesman for Gateway called the accusations “patently false” and “a desperate attempt to malign our business and employees.” Tanya Gabara insisted that the casinos’ “regulatory oversight . . . remains the same.”
Gabara suggested that the union turn its attention to returning to the bargaining table.
