Union Leader Criticizes Saskatchewan Casino Layoffs
SASKATCHEWAN – Prairieland Corporation's callous decision to lay-off employees at Saskatoon's Emerald Casino is an unacceptable move that breaches the spirit of the province's final report on this issue, says Bob Bymoen, president of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE).
" The government was clear that treating Emerald Casino employees fairly and responsibly should be a priority. Today, however, the casino management has shown complete disregard for employees' rights," says Bymoen.
The casino has announced that it will scale back operations by laying off up to 33 employees in January 2006.
Since the casino will be shut down once the Saskatchewan Indian and Gaming Association (SIGA) opens its new casino, management's move ensures that fewer workers will be eligible for severance payments.
It also places those workers' right to offers of employment in the new casino in jeopardy.
"We are outraged at the unprincipled decision to treat these employees as expendable," says Bymoen.
"Despite public statements made by casino management about their concern for their employees, there is no consideration of their rights or what might constitute fair treatment. Emerald Casino management is acting in bad faith by unilaterally slashing the size of the workforce at the casino, especially when there is every opportunity for it to be a money-making venture for the province."
