SkyCity Hamilton claims to act ‘consistently’

SkyCity Hamilton claims to act ‘consistently’ in good faith are laughable - union

SkyCity management was today replying to hundreds of emails after the launch of a global campaign in support of Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota members negotiating at SkyCity’s Hamilton casino.

SFWU members are attempting to negotiate a first collective agreement at SkyCity Hamilton and, despite taking strike action twice so far, union members are yet to receive an acceptable response to their claim for pay parity with Auckland casino workers.

SkyCity Hamilton’s Human Resources Department has been on the receiving end of over 700 emails sent over just 12 hours in a remarkable show of support from around the globe.

The company has responded to the emails with a statement that claims “SKYCITY Hamilton has been consistently bargaining in good faith.” SFWU delegates disagree, pointing out that the company was reprimanded by the Mediation Service less than two months ago for attempting to communicate with union members outside negotiations, a breach of good faith provisions in the Employment Relations Act.

“First they tried to influence members outside the bargaining, then they got told off, then they went straight back to claiming ‘good faith’. In the meantime they have refused to listen to members claims and are trying to force workers to accept flexi-time.” says SFWU Nga Ringa Tota Northern Region Secretary Lisa Eldret.

The most recent revelation came when Hamilton union members discovered company plans to recruit non-union workers from SkyCity Auckland to work on the opening night at Hamilton casino’s new poker room. Delegates and members were stunned to learn that the temporary workers would be getting paid at the Auckland rates while working in Hamilton.

“There have been two strikes, regular stop-work meetings and a lot of stress in the push for a fair deal. Members just want the company to recognise that no matter how much rent you happen to pay the work you do is still worth the same. Employing workers on the Auckland rates to work in Hamilton in the middle of all this simply beggars belief.” said Ms Eldret.

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