Striking Casino workers unveil their next tactic in labour dispute
CALGARY, AB – Striking employees at ABS Casino Calgary are rolling the dice, hoping city gamblers will go to other casinos after hearing their advertisements.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) who represents the 435 striking employees, unveiled newspaper and radio advertisements asking casino customers to take their business elsewhere.
The ads promote the fact that while the casino is making millions, casino employees earn up to $3/hour less than other casinos in the city.
CUPE Alberta President D’Arcy Lanovaz says the union is asking Calgarians to take a stand for fairness.
“Some of our members haven’t had a raise in eight years,” said Lanovaz. “That’s hard to take when you are earning $7/hour and a dealer across town is making more.”
“It’s even harder to take when you work for a $100 million gaming operation.”
Lanovaz says the union has budgeted $100,000 for advertising over the next few weeks, and says that if the strike drags on, there will be more.
“These employees have the full backing of the largest union in Canada,” said Lanovaz. “And we intend to do whatever it takes to convince Casino Calgary it should treat its employees with respect.”
Hear/view the ads at www.alberta.cupe.ca/casino.htm