Victoria Casino Employees Vote to Join BCGEU Eyeing New Contracts

Casino employees seeking the protections and benefits of unionization become more and more nowadays, as it is evident by the latest turn of events at View Royal Casino. This week was a special one for more than 130 individuals permanently employed at the gambling venue, as they made a step towards entering the biggest labor union in the gambling field – British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union.

When it comes to casino workers, many of them prefer to be associated with a union that could protect their interest and improve the conversation with their employer. This is especially important when the workers are seeking an improvement in their work conditions and long-term benefits. Such is the case with View Royal Casino workers that are now after more favorable working conditions over the next few years of operation.

Casino Workers Unionize

More than 130 individuals relying on permanent employment on site gave their votes in support of joining the biggest labor union protecting the rights of thousands of casino workers across British Columbia. More than 77,000 individuals within the gambling scene rely on the government union on a day-to-day basis.

Locations to the likes of Caesars Windsor, River Rock Casino in Richmond, Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby, and Starlight Casino in New Westminster rely on the ongoing support of the union. Now View Royal employees also seek the support that has given results in the past for so many individuals. Casino workers taking care of the gaming tables and slots devices on the casino floor, as well as those welcoming guests, are ready for a change.

As it was confirmed, the unionization is prompted by the need for better remuneration and additional benefits for the employees. Paul Finch, Treasurer for the British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union, confirmed that this is the main objective in the case and the workers could soon reach their desired results.

Bargaining Committee Will be Voted Soon

Great Canadian Gaming Corporation is the casino operator overseeing the casino location. There is a pattern visible, as over the past several years other casino locations overseen by the casino operator have seen their employees join the labor union. Iconic gaming venues to the likes of River Rock Richmond and Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver have made the move.

As a result of this change, said individuals have inked more beneficial working conditions for the upcoming years of operation and are now more content with their employment. Over the past several months, View Royal Casino has seen a conversation in this direction with preparation for the vote that took place this week. Some 82 percent of the workers participated in it and expressed their 87-percent support of the decision.

The next logical step would be for the casino workers to organize yet another vote that is going to determine the new bargaining committee that would carry the conversation and negotiations for future improvement. This is a crucial step that could make or break the process. It could be recalled that the beginning of this year saw Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby and Starlight Casino in New Westminster negotiate 4-year contracts with better conditions and scrap previous plans for a strike.