Union
Leader Criticizes Saskatchewan Casino Layoffs
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."
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