The GMB today (8 June) announced the first ever consultative strike ballot of Britain’s casino workers at a fringe meeting today at the GMB Congress in Newcastle upon Tyne. A 3.2% pay offer has been overwhelmingly rejected by the 2,000 staff in Stanley’s 41 casinos in England and Scotland.

The result of the consultative ballot will be known on the Friday 17th June. Other issues that remain outstanding with the new management will also be part of negotiations.

GMB members at Stanley’s casinos work as croupiers, chefs, receptionists, cleaners, security and waiting staff and in all areas of the industry earning as little as £10,000 a year.

Stanley’s operate casinos in 41 towns and cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle upon Tyne, Blackpool, Derby, London, Luton, Leicester, Great Yarmouth, Margate, Liverpool, Wirral, Lytham St Anne’s, Southport, Bolton, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry, Birmingham, Bristol, Plymouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Torquay, Brighton, Reading.

Stanley’s recently sold off their 624 betting shops to William Hillfor £505 million. Stanley’s report a profit of £26 million in their latest accounts (2004) and is hoping to expand its business into mega casinos when the legislation allows.

Mick Ainsley, GMB Organiser said, “I am disappointed to be in this position. GMB members in casinos have for far too long been undervalued by their employer. They are fed up with Stanley’s failure to deal with low pay in some areas in an industry that can’t claim to have no money.3% of the population visit casinos and last years £28* billion was spent in casinos last year.”

Contact: Mick Ainsley, GMB Organiser on 07974 250947 or Rose Conroy GMB Press Officer on 07974 521823.

Notes to Editors:

1 Stanley’s turnover £178m (at 2 May 2004), Profit before goodwill, interest and tax £26.0m (at 2 May 2004) www. stanleycasinos. com

2 *Guardian Saturday 4th June 2005.