Those looking to play table games at Casino Regina will likely have to wait a little while.
Over 400 casino employees went on strike Thursday night. The move shuts down the excitement of table games like poker, blackjack and roulette, although slot machines would still be available.
Valet and shuttle services are also being halted until the matter is solved.
After failing to work out a contract with their employer, casino employees decided to walk off the job. Not surprisingly, the biggest issue for them is money. Blaine Pilatzke from the Saskatchewan Gaming Corp. said the casino is not able to meet the requests the union has made.
“The union has requested monies in excess of what we’re able to provide, so that has been the stumbling block,” Pilatzke said.
Most employees make between $13 and $16 an hour. At this point, the casino has offered a 5.5 per cent wage increase over three years, as well as increased benefits.
“I think that the offer we tabled with the union previous was fair and competitive, given the gaming, entertainment and hospitality sector,” Pilatzke explained.
“But we’re always prepared to go back and have further discussion and try to find creative solutions to the issues that are outstanding.”
The union said the offer isn’t good enough. They are requesting a 7.5 per cent increase over the next three years. In addition, the union wants an extra dollar for each hour worked during a night shift and three paid family responsibility days a year.
Union spokesperson Fran Mohr said it is about “fairness and family”.
“We just have so many people that are single parents,” explained Mohr. “They’re having trouble making it from paycheck to paycheck, so 5.5 (per cent) just doesn’t cut it.”
Employees have been without a contract since May 2009, and negotiations began in September 2009. In May 2010, employees gave their union a 97.4 per cent strike mandate. This is the first strike in the 14 year history of Casino Regina. Bargaining begins Monday, June 7.
During the labour dispute, the casino will be open from 9 a.m. to midnight, but without table games or shuttle and valet services.
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