It took almost four months, but a workers’ union with ties to Gateway Casinos in Canada has finally scored a victory. The union had been on strike for the past 19 weeks, holding out for better wages and improved working conditions. A number of attempts to reach an agreement—the most recent of which was in September—failed, but it appears that Gateway has finally relented.
Announcement that a new deal had been worked out was first reported last week. The details were kept secret, pending a vote by the 700-plus workers that were walking the picket lines at Gateway casinos in Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops and Penticton. The terms of the agreement were approved—albeit by a very close margin—and will see a new four-year deal with an average wage increase of 23.5% over the life of the contract. Additionally, there will be improved benefits offered, in particular to part-time employees.
The latest agreement almost didn’t survive the vote. Only 50.7% voted in favor of the new agreement, with some employees believing that they were being disrespected by Gateway.
Stephanie Smith, the president of the British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU), said in a press release following the deal’s approval, “I am so impressed by the solidarity and courage of our members. They should be proud of what they achieved by sticking together throughout the bargaining process, especially over the past 19 weeks on the picket line.”
“Our members are going back to work, which is great news. But the ratification vote was close, which means there is more work to be done in all four of these workplaces. That work starts as soon as the picket lines come down,” she added.
According to a statement provided by Gateway, the casino operator’s management was “pleased with the outcome of the vote. We know the past few months have been challenging for all involved and we thank our customers for their patience and loyalty throughout the labour disruption. We now turn our full attention back to our business and are committed to a smooth return to regular business over the coming weeks.”
The BCGEU employees saw their contracts end last year. After the casino company refused to provide wages comparable to those offered at other casinos, the workers voted to go on strike this past June, with 93.1% supporting the action.
