FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE April 12, 2006
Union disappointed at Casino’s “bully’
tactics at the bargaining table
NIAGARA FALLS – The union representing
security staff at one of Ontario’s largest casinos today
expressed its disappointment at the “bullying” bargaining
tactics of the employer, Chicago-based Hyatt Corporation.
“This employer has chosen to bully the
members instead of properly negotiating a contract,” said
Local 278 President Jody Hutton. “They are now attempting to
stifle any conversations about bargaining in the workplace,
and are planning to discipline a member for trying to inform
co-workers on what is happening at the table.”
Hutton is referring to an incident where
a member briefly set down bargaining newsletters in a
security office that were seized by the employer before she
could retrieve them. The employer now alleges that the
member violated “protocols” on posting union information in
the workplace.
Virgery Vanier, OPSEU Staff
Representative and negotiator for the local, said she is
also disappointed that the employer has not once tabled a
position on monetary issues, instead calling in a
conciliator.
“Bargaining is always a give and take
process,” Vanier said. “However, to this point the employer
has only asked the union to remove demands from the table
without once stating their own position on money issues.
That’s not bargaining – it’s dictating, and we don’t do
things that way in Ontario.”
Vanier said she hopes the conciliator
will assist getting the talks back on track, and that a new
agreement can be reached. The contract between the security
staff and Casino Niagara expired March 31, 2006.
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For more information, please contact:
Virgery Vanier (905) 227-3770 or
(905) 328-8446
Jody Hutton (905) 651-5900
