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An astounding 99.5 per cent vote in favour of strike action.
Vancouver (09 Feb. 2018) — Members of the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) working at Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking strike action against their employer this week.
Strong strike mandate backs workers' proposals
In a vote held from February 1–4, over 90 per cent of Hard Rock staff came out and voted 99.5 per cent in favour of taking strike action.
"Hard Rock workers are sending a clear message to their employer: they will not back down until they get the respect, fair wages and working conditions that they deserve," says Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President.
The next step for Hard Rock workers is mediation, as required by the B.C. labour code, but strike preparations are already underway.
"Hard Rock workers are ready to do whatever it takes to get a fair contract with their employer," says Smith.
BCGEU/NUPGE represents over 400 staff at the Hard Rock Casino working at table games, the count room, kitchen, theatre, security, guest services, and as slot attendants and cashiers. Employees at Hard Rock voted to join the BCGEU/NUPGE in May 2016 and have been trying to negotiate a first collective agreement with their employer since January 2017.