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Casino Nova Scotia Workers in Halifax Seek to Unionize

On May 1, 2007, in a news conference held outside the Nova Scotia Labor Relations Board, the employees of the Casino Nova Scotia said that they have passed an application to the Labor Board in order to unionize.

Casino employees will begin the voting procedure on the casino union from May 3, 2007 to May 4, 2007 from 6:00 am to midnight. The employees of the Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax, who are working under the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCGC), have decided to unionize with the help from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 902.

The casino employees launched a union campaign last February in order to achieve an increase in salaries, benefits, job security and fair treatment during work.

24 year-old Julie Glendenning, who has worked at the Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax as a cage cashier commented that it is a good move for the workers because they will be able to have one voice in fighting for their rights in their workplace.

Phil Dunbar, a slots employee of the Casino Nova Scotia, commented that workers need to feel that they are protected in their place of work and know that they can turn to someone if they experience any kind of problem.

A cook at the casino kitchen, Terrance Kavanaugh said that the gambling casino has done nothing to give him support and the chance to advance in his job.

SEIU Canada National Organizer, Tony Tracy, commented that employees in Halifax and throughout Nova Scotia deserve the same benefits that their counterparts are enjoying in other parts of the country.

The Casino Nova Scotia produces the 3rd largest gaming profit so it doesn't make sense that the Halifax Casino employees are amongst the lowest paid casino workers in the country.

SEIU has represented gaming employees in Canada for the past 40 years, such as the employees at the Flamboro Downs Facility in Hamilton, Ontario.

The SEIU is the largest union in North America with 98,000 members in Canada and about 1.8 million members from all over the world.

 

Sunday, May 13 , 2007
Brian Letendre