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A website has been established so that people can send the strikers a message of solidarity and support.
Vancouver (17 Oct. 2018) —The nearly 700 members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) who work at Gateway Casinos have been on strike since June 29. Gateway has 4 Okanagan work sites: Playtime Casino in Kelowna, Lake City Casino in Vernon, and Cascades Casinos in Kamloops and Penticton. They work table games, and as slot attendants, cashiers, in the count room, kitchen, security, guest services and maintenance.
BCGEU/NUPGE members earning well below wages of other casino workers
They’re asking for living wages, better working conditions, and respect on the job but Gateway's most recent offer isn’t fair or reasonable. It would keep members working in their casinos in the region earning well below the wages other casino workers are making on the coast for the same work. Members simply cannot afford to live in the region on the wages the company is offering.
On September 19, the B.C. Supreme Court denied Gateway's application to restrict picketing at the Penticton location. The court upheld picketing as an exercise of free expression and workers’ rights. This is good news but there is more to do to keep up the spirits of the strikers.
Support the strikers — send a message
A website has been established so that people can send the strikers a message of solidarity and support. People from all across the country have been sending messages letting the workers know that they are not alone in this fight.
"This fight isn't just about the workers at Gateway," said Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "They represent workers everywhere trying to have a better life. Together, we fight for this at the bargaining table. We fight for this on the picket line. The over 390,000 members of NUPGE salute your determination and courage in this struggle."