The BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU) is preparing for a long strike.
President Stephanie Smith visited striking casino workers on the picket line in Kamloops today, October 19.
She said there are no new talks are planned with Gateway Casinos to end a nearly four month strike at four Interior locations, noting striking voters won’t back down.
“We’re preparing for the long haul. A strike only needs to last one day longer, that’s what we say,” said Smith.
“We’ll continue to support our members here. Ultimately, the decision lies with them, when they think a deal’s been reached that’s good enough for them to go back to work.”
In fact they’re preparing for the winter, by arranging for heavy duty tents that will protect the workers from the cold and the snow if the dispute lasts that long.
“We need to know that they will take our wage request seriously, and stop coming back with nickels and dimes,” Smith added.
“[They need to] start addressing what the wage should be for these members.”
The last contract expired at the end of September 2017.