A brewing dispute between casino workers and Grosvenor Casinos, a subsidiary of Rank Group, has escalated into strikes across London. The Unite union, representing casino employees, asserts that the current wage offer from Grosvenor Casinos is insufficient to meet the rising cost of living in the city.
Background
The Unite union has announced industrial action scheduled to begin at 18:00 hours on September 9th and conclude at 06:00 on September 12th. The strike is anticipated to impact Grosvenor Casinos’ seven London-based establishments, including The Victoria, The Rialto, and The Golden Horseshoe. The union emphasizes that Grosvenor Casinos, buoyed by profits amounting to £74m ($85.2m) this year, should provide a more equitable wage to its workforce.
Workers’ Demands
The primary demand of the striking workers, comprising primarily croupiers, dealers, as well as food and beverage and kitchen staff, is a substantial increase in wages. Despite retention bonus offers from Grosvenor Casinos, 91% of the approximately 150 affected workers have rejected these payments, signaling widespread dissatisfaction. The workers argue that the offered wages are inadequate in light of the escalating cost of living crisis in London.
Union’s Stand
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham and National Officer for the Hospitality Sector Dave Turnball have voiced strong support for the striking workers. They condemn Grosvenor Casinos for failing to provide a livable wage despite its profitability. The union asserts that the strike is a demonstration of the workers’ unity and resolve to secure fair compensation. Additionally, Unite highlights Grosvenor Casino’s recruitment and retention challenges as evidence of the unsustainable nature of current pay rates.
Company Response
In response to inquiries, Rank Group, Grosvenor’s parent company, has yet to issue a statement. However, the operators’ comments are anticipated, providing insight into their perspective on the wage dispute and the impending strikes. Grosvenor Casinos will likely face increasing pressure to address the concerns raised by its workforce and the union representing them.
The wage dispute between Grosvenor Casinos and its employees underscores broader issues of fair compensation and the cost of living in major urban centers like London. As the strikes loom, both sides are entrenched in their positions, with the workers demanding a significant wage increase and the company yet to offer a satisfactory response. The outcome of this dispute will not only impact the livelihoods of the casino workers but also set a precedent for labor relations in the hospitality industry.