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Send a message of support to striking BCGEU members at Gateway Casinos in the B.C. interior

Nearly 700 BCGEU members at four Gateway Casinos have been on strike since June 29.

Mediated talks recently broke off after Gateway refused to release financial information to back claims they cannot afford to pay higher wages.

Our members work at Playtime Casino in Kelowna, Lake City Casino in Vernon, and Cascades Casinos in Kamloops and Penticton. They work table games, as slot attendants, cashiers, in the count room, kitchen, security, guest services and maintenance.

They’re asking for living wages, better working conditions, and respect on the job.

We all know life in the Thompson-Okanagan is expensive. Gateway's most recent offer isn’t fair or reasonable. It would keep our members working in their casinos in the region earning well below wages casino workers are making on the coast for the same work. Our members simply cannot afford to live in the region on the wages the company is offering.

Spirits remain high on the picket lines, and we want to keep it that way. That’s why we’re seeking messages of support and solidarity. From you to them.

We have reason to be positive. On September 19, the B.C. Supreme Court denied Gateway's application to restrict picketing at the Penticton location. This is great news. The court upheld picketing as an exercise of free expression and workers’ rights.

Please sign the petition and add a message of support for BCGEU members at the four Gateway Casinos in the Thompson-Okanagan.

Showing 263 reactions
  • Mark Fletcher
    commented 2018-11-06 09:23:49 -0800
    STAY STRONG! Patience and above all “SOLIDARITY”


    You will prevail!!! It did for us!


    Mark Fletcher

    Chairperson – Hard Rock Casino Vancouver BCGEU 1703
  • Allen Pawliuk
    commented 2018-11-03 10:48:44 -0700
    If a corporation making as much profit as Gateway can not pay their employees MORE than a living wage the world has gone crazy.

    GREEDY,GREEDY,GREEDY

    SHAME ON YOU
  • Vic Morden
    commented 2018-10-31 14:08:29 -0700
    Maintain Perseverance and Unity and you will prevail !!

    Walking slowly on the line will give the public the opportunity to see your message, and it will be less tiring. I know the days are long. !!

    Stay strong. !!!!
  • Don A
    commented 2018-10-30 15:44:35 -0700
    I wonder how many idiot people out there believe that a government of BC can’t afford to pay low paid workers more but they sure can take these people to court to try and intimidate them.
  • Jennifer Duggan
    commented 2018-10-22 20:16:51 -0700
    Stay strong!
  • K Davis
    commented 2018-10-22 19:13:16 -0700
    Stay strong! We are all behind you, supporting you and pulling for you!
  • Pat Hopkins
    commented 2018-10-22 14:42:49 -0700
    Isn’t there some way you can stop people from crossing the picket lines this is making it ten times worse. In solidarity

    Pat Hopkins (former member BCGEU)
  • Ev Morris
    commented 2018-10-22 07:27:02 -0700
    You all have persevered this far, standing up for fairness, I admire you all and encourage you to “KEEP SOLID”. My heart aches for all of you, the difficulties no one knows until you have actually been there. Have and will continue to walk with you at every opportunity. Sending thoughts of encouragement.
  • Kieran Grandbois
    commented 2018-10-21 19:36:57 -0700
    Solidarity from Vernon! You deserve a living wage! Stay strong and the workers will win!
  • Maria Tokarchuk
    commented 2018-10-19 19:39:41 -0700
    Stay strong
  • Mia Wallas
    commented 2018-10-17 23:11:37 -0700
    June 27, 2018


    Dear tip receiving staff,

    There will be no Off cycle preparation and distribution of tips, REGARDLESS OF WHO IS ASKING.


    Thanks,


    Clarissa


    Wow, that “Thanks” at the end helped make this very rude and thoughtless memo more palatable…


    https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/230116/Casino-changes-tips-tune
  • Mark Irek
    followed this page 2018-10-17 22:58:31 -0700
  • Chris Roberts
    commented 2018-10-17 08:51:36 -0700
    Gaming industry workers across Canada are inspired by your efforts and your courage!
  • joseph breininger
    commented 2018-10-16 18:40:49 -0700
    hang in there for what you are fighting for good luck from TORONTO
  • Joanna Lord
    commented 2018-10-16 18:22:21 -0700
    Stay strong, you deserve living wages, better working conditions and respect! Sending you my message of support from Duncan, Vancouver Island.
  • Lynn Ritchot
    commented 2018-10-15 18:28:34 -0700
    Hey guys hi there from Manitoba and a member from the MGEU. Hang in there,chins up and stay strong for what you believe in, we are with over here in manitoba, hugs and high fives all around!!!!
  • Patrick Mcdonnell
    commented 2018-10-15 16:33:07 -0700
    Stay Strong! It may seem futile at times but it will be worth it. I’m with you in spirit sisters and brothers.
  • Sheila Johnstone
    commented 2018-10-15 15:33:49 -0700
    I support your action. It makes no sense that your wages are so far below other Canadian casino workers, especially with the cost of living in the Okanagan!
  • Tara Schjerning
    commented 2018-10-15 11:15:32 -0700
    You guys ROCK!!!! Over 20 years ago I went on strike with my local. It was scary as hell but it was also the best time ever! You are all in my thoughts and I’m walking with you in spirit!! You’ve got this!!!!! Lean on each other when you’re feeling low!!!! Sending lots of hugs! Stay strong!!!!
  • Scott Lovell
    commented 2018-10-14 07:15:33 -0700
    Keep up the good fight, the important fight! Living wages should be a right for ALL Canadians. My Brothers and sisters will always support you!! We have stood with you and will rally again with you!!
  • Jessica Eresman
    commented 2018-10-13 11:26:25 -0700
    As a former member of BCGEU and former employee at Vernon Casino. I stand behind all of my sisters & brothers on the picket line.

    Today at our AUPE convention we heard from brother Paul Finch, and I know our member support you all as well!


    In Solidarity
  • Leanne Williams
    commented 2018-10-13 08:26:11 -0700
  • Lizette Fischer
    commented 2018-10-12 08:26:53 -0700
    Sending my support to all of the Thompson-Okanagan workers who have been dealing with this lengthy strike action.


    In solidarity from the Sunshine Coast,

    Lizette
  • Marlene Lodermeier
    commented 2018-10-12 07:29:59 -0700
    I admire you all for standing strong. You are sending a powerful message for all to see as you continue on in solidarity. There is strength in numbers. I hope for a resolution soon so you can get back to doing the work you love . Never give up
  • Sheri Park
    commented 2018-10-11 22:23:33 -0700
  • Sheri Park
    commented 2018-10-11 22:21:58 -0700
    Your fellow BCGEU members in Vancouver Island North area are with you in spirit. We heard about your long fight, in our meeting today, and we hope and pray for your signed contract, so your lives can have security.
  • Samuel Clements
    commented 2018-10-11 20:46:41 -0700
    To my Brothers and Sisters;

    One word ‘Courage’.
  • Julio Montero
    commented 2018-10-11 18:20:54 -0700
    On behalf of all the Canadian Union of Brewery and General Workers Local 325 we would like to offer our support and solidarity to all striking BCGEU workers. We stand behind you in your battle for what’s right today and will be right tomorrow. Stay strong.
  • Karen Jackson
    commented 2018-10-11 18:10:44 -0700
    Solidarity from the Prince Edward Island Union of Public Sector Employees (UPSE)!! Stay strong! We stand with you!!
  • Jason Singh
    commented 2018-10-11 15:55:11 -0700
    Courage and strength, friends! I am proud to belong in the same union as you. Keep up the good fight!

    In solidarity,

    J.