Canadian Casinos Workers Threaten Strikes

Employees have already voted in favor of striking by an overwhelming 86%.

Four casinos in British Columbia controlled by Lake City Casinos are facing a potentially imminent strike. Negotiations are being held between the operating company and the British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union in an effort to avoid the work stoppage.

Employees have already voted in favor of striking by an overwhelming 86%. However, union representative Mike Orders said no strike date had been set, preferring to try to resolve differences at the bargaining table.

The Canadian Labour Relations Board is expected to provide a mediator to the two sides this week.

The casinos presented a plan to the union in March, but the option was rejected by more than 3 to 1 in a vote.

The union represents a variety of essential casino personel, including dealers, slot machine attendants, cashiers, food and beverage servers and security personnel. 

Lake City Casinos includes four themed casinos in British Columbia: Kamloops, which is styled after New Orleans; Vernon, which is modeled after Santa Fe; Kelowna, which aspires to the details of a Caribbean cruise; and Penticton, which resembles a Caribbean beachfront.