By Corey Fischer

Casino Talks At ‘Impasse’

May 17, 2018 | 12:14 PM

Negotiations have broken-off between Gateway Casinos and the BC Government Employees Union over a new labour deal.

The union represents 1,400 workers at casinos in Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops and Penticton

Union president Stephanie Smith says they have reached an impasse after a bargaining session planned for this week didn’t take place.

“The workers had a rally to try and encourage the employer to make a fair and reasonable offer. The employer did not want to greet those members. They did meet the following day, and very quickly talks broke down, and so we’ve reached a new impasse,” Smith tells Beach Radio News.

Smith says the workers are looking for industry-standard wages and benefits in a new deal.

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“They do exactly the same work as any other casino inn the province We believe same work, same pay,” adds Smith.

She says job action is one option.

“It’s not our goal to have a job stoppage, but it is actually one of the tools in the toolbox. The bargaining committee will consider all possible strategies, but there is lots of room between where we are now, and where that might happen,” says Smith.

The union says the workers last contract expired in September 2017.

Tanya Gabara, Director, Public Relations, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited, said in an email response to Beach Radio News: “Gateway remains confident that there is an opportunity to reach a fair collective agreement. At this time, we will not be commenting further through the media.”

by Corey Fischer