A union member for most of his working life, Penticton’s Terry Green happily spent a few hours on the picket line at Cascades Casino Saturday.
“I’m here just to support my brothers and sisters in their attempts to negotiate a fair and new contract with their employer,” said Green, a retired teacher, former president of the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union and labour council member. “I think that they need to see that there’s support out there in the community and they’re not just on their own and this struggle is not just a struggle for them but a struggle for all working people.”
Related: Show of union solidarity on casino picket lines
Saturday was a time for the the B.C. labour movement to provide a show of solidarity with the 675 BCGEU members on strike at four Gateway Casinos in the Interior.
A large rally was scheduled for 8 p.m. in Penticton similar to those to be held earlier in the afternoon at the Cascades Casino in Kamloops, Lake City Casino in Vernon and Playtime Casino in Kelowna.
There was some good news in the dispute which began June 29 with three days of mediated talks planned for July 20-22.
Wages continue to be the biggest stumbling block in the negotiations.
“I’m not overly familiar with their contract but I know that they’re not necessarily the most highly paid union workers,” said Green. “And considering the millions of dollars that are generated through the efforts of the casino, I think they could receive a fair wage from their employer without too much difficulty.”
Related: Spirits high on casino picket line
An estimated 170 union members are on strike at the Penticton site.
Cascades Casino Penticton said during the labour disruption they will be open every day from noon to 9 p.m. All slot machines, the Summit Bar and cash cage operations will run normally during the site’s adjusted operating hours.
Table games, Match Eatery and Public House and The Buffet will be closed during the strike. As well, lottery products and payouts greater than $500 will be suspended until further notice.