Workers at Playtime Casino in downtown Kelowna will continue to strike after 3 days of mediation failed to produce a new contract agreement with employer, Gateway Casinos.
BC Government Employees Union, Executive Vice president, Doug Kinna says the union has introduced 5 wage proposals but Gateway wants the full-meal deal to look at, “What the employer’s asked for is a package with everything in it. That takes time to put together and that’s what’s going to cause the delay to the 20th.”
Kinna believes both sides are in agreeance to meet again on the July 20th, but adds that if Gateway wants to discuss the other 5 proposals, the BCGEU would be open to negotiating in the interim.
Close to 700 casino workers in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops have been striking since June 29th. Kinna says the BCGEU is negotiating for wages that are more in line with industry standards.
“The members are strong on the picket line. They’re getting tremendous community support…they’re feeling good.”