Sky City Workers Picket Again

Workers gather support for petition against Sky City receiving Tourism Award

After highly successful protest action on Saturday night outside Sky City, with great support from punters and passers-by, Sky City workers have decided to picket their employer again today over what they say is a miserly pay offer.

Sky City workers will also be gathering signatures for a petition which urges the Judges of the New Zealand ‘Peoples’ Choice’ Tourism Award not to give the award to Sky City.

Sky City is one of two finalists in the ‘Visitor Attractions’ category of the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2001, but Sky City workers say that they should not be given the award.

The New Zealand Tourism Award judges assess each entry within a broad range of criteria, which includes how the best performance is achieved from staff.

Sky City workers say that in order for them to give their best performance, they need training and development that enables them to advance, financial reward that is negotiated not imposed, recognition of the requirements of balancing work and family responsibilities and most of all, respect and recognition for their efforts.

“There’s no doubt that one of the reasons Sky City is an award finalist is because of the dedication and friendliness of Sky City staff” says Darien Fenton, National Secretary of the Service & Food Workers Union, the casino union.

“However, the award rings hollow to staff who are trying to get Sky City to genuinely listen to their issues and concerns and to bargain in good faith to conclude a Collective Employment Agreement” she said.

For further comment or information contact Ms Darien Fenton on 025 360 089 (Mobile)

Sky City workers will picket outside Sky City Casino, Auckland between 11am and 1pm today.

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