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Workers upset at being lowest paid casino staff in the city

CALGARY, AB. – The 425 employees at Calgary Casino are taking a strike vote on Monday in a bid to win better wages and the respect of their employer.

The employees, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), say that wage comparisons given to them by Casino management show Calgary Casino workers are among the lowest paid in every category.

CUPE Alberta President D’Arcy Lanovaz said the employees are asking for parity with other casino workers.

Some of these employees are making 20 to 30 per cent less than workers in other casinos,” said Lanovaz. “When the government recently raised the minimum wage, many of our members got a raise.”

Even with tips, which not all casino workers earn, it’s tough to make a living on what these people earn,” Said Lanovaz.

Lanovaz said the casino is doing well and can afford to pay its employees a decent wage.

The employees are not asking for more than what their competitors are paying,” said Lanovaz. “There are lots of people going into the casino every night – they are doing a good business.”

Lanovaz said he expects workers to vote in favour of a strike, and expects picket lines to be up by next Friday.

We will be on the picket lines asking customers to gamble elsewhere,” said Lanovaz. “Hopefully the casino will decide to treat its’ employees fairly and a strike won’t be necessary.”