Gateway, BCGEU to talk

Photo: Wayne Moore - File Photo

Mediation efforts aimed at resolving a strike at four casinos in the Okanagan and Kamloops will resume at the end of the week.

Gateway Casinos Entertainment and the union representing more than 675 casinos workers in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops, will begin three days of mediated talks Friday.

The strike will be heading into its fourth week once talks resume.

"We know a fair and reasonable collective agreement for both our staff and our company is possible and remain committed to these negotiations to reach a deal and get our employees back to work," said Gateway public relations director Tanya Gabara.

The two sides last met for three days of mediated talks early last week.

Both the company and union left those talks blaming each other for a breakdown in talks.

Employees, members of the BC Government Employees Union, walked off the job Friday, June 29.

They have been without a contract since September of last year.