“With a union, you will have your rights protected,” member of Starlight Six

 

Name: Wei Chen

Occupation: Dealer, Starlight Casino

Union: BCGEU

I signed my BCGEU membership card because I wanted the respect, better wages and benefits, and strong effective voice that a union can provide,” says Wei Chen, a dealer at Starlight Casino in New Westminster. “Employees at Starlight deserve a voice so that our bosses listen to our concerns. If you have no other place to go, and if higher management won’t listen, the union will,” says Wei.

Early in 2009, workers at Starlight Casino in New Westminster had decided it was time to explore the idea of unionization. Tired of unfair treatment and favouritism in the workplace, they were seeking the respect they deserved.

“A lot of people were being treated unfairly,” say Wei. “We definitely needed a union – someone to represent us and speak on our behalf.” Wei, a former member of HEU (Hospital Employees’ Union), was already very familiar with the benefits of union membership, so he was eager to get the organizing campaign underway.

In mid-February, Starlight decided to lay off Wei and five of his coworkers, all of whom openly supported and organized for the union.

After the BCGEU complained to the Labour Relations Board that the layoff of its supporters was not for “proper cause”, the Board ordered that they be returned back to work. In addition, Starlight was ordered to reimburse these employees for any lost wages, tips and benefits.

When these six employees – informally known as the “Starlight Six” – returned back to work, there was a lot of excitement in the workplace. Winning this case confirmed to Starlight workers that the BCGEU is on their side and would work hard to stand up for their rights.

One of the main challenges Wei faced when speaking to his colleagues about unionization was dealing with fear. “People were scared to even say the word ‘union,’” says Wei. But Wei continually assured his colleagues about their legal rights. He would inform them that the law in Canada states that you have the right to join a union and your employer may not prevent you from joining a union. In fact, it is illegal for your employer to fire you or take any action against you because you want to join a union.

Since then, nearly every department of Starlight Casino has now joined the BCGEU. Dealers, slot attendants, security, guest services, cashiers, and food and beverage workers now all have the fairness, respect, job security and better working conditions that they deserve.

“Nobody can help you if you don’t help yourself,” says Wei, talking about taking the first steps to organize. “With a union you will have your rights protected.”