Industrial Action looms at Stanley’s if pay talks are not reopened on June 27th 2005

The GMB today announced the result of the first ever consultative strike ballot of Britain’s casino workers. GMB members working for Stanley Casinos in forty one towns and cities across Britain voted by 77% in favor and 23% against industrial action in a consultative strike ballot.

A 3.2% pay offer has been overwhelmingly rejected by the 2,000 staff in Stanley’s 41 casinos in England and Scotland.

Further negotiations with the company are scheduled for Monday 27th 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.

Martin Smith, GMB Campaign Coordinator said, “GMB members have sent a clear message to Stanley’s. Stanley’s should re-open the pay talks on June 27th and be prepared to improve the ‘final offer’of 3.2%. The company can certainly afford to do this.3% of the population visit casinos. Last year £28* billion was spent in casinos.

“The UK needs to see well paid industrial jobs replaced with well paid commercial services jobs. The Stanley workforce have shown that they endorse this view.”

Contact: Martin Smith, GMB Campaign Coordinator on 07974 251722 or Steve Pryle GMB Press Officer on 07921 289880.

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.