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Casino staff win pay deal
CASINO workers on the Fylde coast are poised to accept a new pay deal.
The workers are to be balloted on an improved pay offer and GMB union negotiators have recommended they accept the new offer.
Staff at Stanley Casino, which owns casinos in Blackpool and St Annes, will decide whether to accept the improved offer of 3.5 per cent or 600 a year, whichever is the greater, following the re-opening of pay talks.
An earlier offer of 3.2 per cent was overwhelmingly rejected and members had threatened to take industrial action that could have seen the country's first ever strike by casino workers.
Stanley runs casinos in 41 towns and cities across Britain including Castle Casino on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool and St Annes Casino at Pleasure Island in St Annes.
GMB members work as croupiers, chefs, receptionists, cleaners, security and waiting staff, earning around 10,000 a year.
The pay offer is worth 5.8 per cent to the lowest paid and the result of the ballot will be known on Monday.
Mick Ainsley, GMB Organiser, said: "This improved pay offer is recommended by the GMB negotiators. The fact that there is a new offer on the table is the direct result of the willingness of the casino workers to join the GMB and take action for better pay and conditions in their industry. This is the first step of many in replacing well paid manufacturing jobs with well paid service sector jobs. The gaming industry is a very profitable business and can afford decent pay and conditions."
Stanley recently sold off its 624 betting shops to William Hill for 505m and the company reports a profit of 26m in its latest accounts.
It hopes to expand its business into American-style super casinos when the legislation allows.
Blackpool is believed to be the front runner in the race to have the first regional casino in the resort despite a number of other rumoured bids, including one from Manchester United. The Government is not expected to make a decision on the first regional casino until at least the end of next year when bids have been submitted.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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