Casino workers deserve raises

Dear editor: Why are the workers at the casino still on strike? They have been out there picketing all summer long!

The reason being, is that Gateway is simply just greedy and have very little regard for their employees. There are people that have worked there for over 10 years that are still making minimum wage. This is a company that pulled in $36 million out of our community last year alone.

First they held city council’s hand to the fire threatening to move the casino to the reservation if they did not get what they wanted.

I thought it was illegal to pay a woman less than a man doing the same job. How come it’s not illegal to pay a women less in another province or city? Employees doing the same jobs in Ontario, Alberta and the Lower Mainland are making up to $22 a hour.

Perhaps it is time council made Gateway explain their actions in this manner. They are losing revenue, which is going to come out of our allocation.

I would rather see the city make less and pay those employees a fair wage, at least that money is spent in our community. Plus it just isn’t right for a company that is making millions to treat anyone in this way. No matter how much makeup you put on a pig it’s still a pig. And shame on anyone that crosses that picket line.

Now I see we are looking at a $16-million parkade. How long is it going to take to pay that off with that money that Gateway pays the city? I can’t wait to see Gateway’s reaction when the city asks them for help paying in for that. Any chance we can move the casino to the reservation and just take their 10 per cent?

I don’t think the mayor will see any campaign donations this time around unless it’s just a thank you, they don’t bet on losers. Alex Wilson

Penticton