source: pixabay.comNew year, new beginnings. Although a choppy start for SkyCity casino in Hamilton after staff there marked the new year by walking out of the job and going on strike.
Strike action was taken after the Unite union says the workers at the popular casino want a living wage and pay equality. However, SkyCity says it is disappointed the union resorted to strike action before going to mediation.
John Crocker, the Unite national secretary said that SkyCity is one of the wealthiest companies in New Zealand. However, he noted that the casino workers in the Hamilton value actually get less than their Auckland colleagues.
John said that the workers just want equal pay for equal work with their Auckland colleagues and that it would not cost SkyCity a huge amount of money to achieve this.
The Unite national secretary said that he hopes the strike will prompt SkyCity to make a better offer to its Hamilton workers
A SkyCity spokesperson said in a statement:
“SkyCity is disappointed Unite chose to strike before going to mediation as agreed to by both parties at the start of the bargaining process. However, SkyCity is committed to finding a resolution and has sought a mediation session with Unite early in the new year,”
SkyCity has reached an agreement with Unite and E tū unions for its Auckland casino and has reached an agreement with E tū members at SkyCity Hamilton, the spokesperson said.
