JULY 11, 2007

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 401 - The Casino Workers Union - has won a major victory in the gaming industry in Alberta.

While striking employees continued to enjoy strike pay benefits often in excess of their wages and remuneration, the unions bargaining committee, in a series of recent bargaining sessions, has hammered out a deal that is precedent setting for Alberta casino workers. It was ratified last night, with 86% percent of voters endorsing the deal. The ratification means that the employees strike at the Palace Casino will end.

What does the deal accomplish for gaming industry workers at the Palace Casino at the West Edmonton Mall?
  1. Employees have won the right to day to day representation, advice, and assistance by worker advocates.
    Palace Casino will even have an on site Union office!

  2. Significant wage improvements have been achieved - between 17.5% to 35 % over 4 years and employees will also receive "signing bonuses" of up to $3000.00. The Agreement expires in November 2009.

  3. Employees have won real recognition for their profession by having a real union like teachers and nurses. They do not have a management controlled or influenced "Association".

  4. Employees can now report gaming improprieties to authorities without repercussion - some call this a whistle blower clause.

  5. The employer now has a contractual obligation to treat employees with "dignity and respect".

  6. An introductory part time benefit plan is now part of the terms and conditions of employment for part time workers at no premium cost to them.

  7. Workers who crossed the picket line during the strike gained no benefit, favour or preference as a result of working behind the legal picket line. Replacement workers will also receive no credit for the time they worked while the strike was ongoing!

  8. A grievance procedure guarantees a fair process for employees to enforce their job security rights and other work place rights at no cost to the employee. The Casino Workers Union will provide lawyers and advocates to the gaming industry workers. Union fees are only a tax deductible $6.00 per week.

  9. Sick pay is now part of the contract that Palace Casino employees enjoy. There are also new Health and Safety and workplace cleanliness protection for workers.

  10. Workers have ensured that wages do not have a "two tier" format. In other words, the agreement ensures that all workers are paid fairly and that new and often younger workers do not suffer wage discrimination even though they do the same work as longer term workers.

Congratulations to Palace Casino Workers for leading the charge for all gaming industry workers. If you are ready to have a better work place call our confidential hot line at 1 888 GO UNION.


For more information contact: ufcw@ufcw401.ab.ca