Times are tough in the current economy, so it is understandable that a company would want to save some money here and there. However, it is a difficult situation when saving the company money would result in dozens of lost jobs for local residents. Currently, SkyCity is stuck in this situation, a cleaning staff was protesting the casino’s decision to outsource their jobs to contractors.
On Friday, July 18, the Unite Union gathered to picket in front of the SkyCity Casino in Auckland. Supporters were invited to offer a morale boost, and many people showed up to offer encouragement to the protestors. According to Unite News, over 100 staff would be affected by the changes.
Some of these staff members have served the casino for 10 years and longer, and it would be a shame to see them downsized for the sake of the casino’s bottom line. “SkyCity was given the International Convention Centre approval on the premise that it was a job creator,” reads a statement from the union. “It has now shown how happy it is to reduce its workforce and we believe most of the 800 supposed jobs will be part time or casual”.
The union’s fight has attracted a great deal of attention from local residents, as well. The New Zealand Labour Party has also shown its support, as spokesperson Darien Fenton has issued a press release on the issue. He writes: “This proposal gives rise to questions about the Government-backed SkyCity Convention Centre and whether the jobs they claim will be created will be decent, full time and secure.
Or will the lowest paid workers in the casino be further marginalised?” This is certainly an important issue and it reflects upon the core business principles of the casino. The whole country is watching as SkyCity decides what to do, as it offer some insight into how the company plans on running the new convention centre in Auckland.
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