Casino workers reach deal

by Wayne Moore -Mar 4, 2008 CASTANET

Lake City Casino has reached a tentative agreement with its unionized workers, members of the B.C. Government and Services Employees Union. The union represents about 500 workers at four casinos in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops. Union members will vote on the tentative deal March 19. The two sides have been bargaining since November. Labour Relations Board Mediator, Mark Brown, sat in on talks Monday. "We are pleased to have achieved competitive wage increases for our members," says BCGEU president, George Heyman. "This agreement will also ensure more job security for our members as the employer expands in all four locations." The tentative deal gives workers an eight per cent wage increase over the three year life of the contract along with some improved benefits. The union bargaining committee is unanimously recommending acceptance.