Genting Casino Members Update
Posted on:
Dear Members,
As part of last years’ pay talks it was agreed that the company and the GMB would meet on a regular basis to discuss ongoing matters relating to issues our members have been raising with us. It has taken a few months to establish but we held our first Joint National Consultation Meeting (JNCM) with the management team this week. In the meeting we raised the agenda item below and this will form part of the ongoing work we will be undertaking with yourselves going forward. Thank you to the members who supplied the items for discussion, and we will be consulting members prior to our next meeting which will be scheduled for August followed by Pay talks in October/November. Please ensure you notify us of any items you wish to be tabled for the next JNCM and we will keep you updated.
Business Update
Genting gave an update on the current business situation in the country. Whilst there are signs of improvement the change in international customers has shown a marked decrease and the company are looking at ways it can adapt going forward. There have been developments with the Gambling Commission and they are hopeful this will help with some of the bureaucracy around gaming they have faced over the past few years. They updated us with the consultation process over Liverpool Queens Square and that the consultation is still ongoing and no firm decision had yet been made regarding the future of the club. Members have been invited into the consultations and are being supported by the North West Regional Office.
Changing Job Roles and Lack of Communication
Members raised the issue of the changes to job roles with little or no communication about the additional work being expected to be taken on as a result. The company stressed that consultation should always be given in any change of role and that they will follow up on the examples we gave to ensure correct processes are in place. If a job role changes and it involves multi skilling, then there is a payment to compensate for this and should be applied.
Health & Safety
The GMB raised the lack of involvement in H&S issues and requested that the reps are invited to attend meetings on a local basis with the management to discuss concerns in their work areas and that Nationally we will bring any items that need resolving that have failed to be resolved at local level to the JNCM.
AI & Facial Recognition
We raised our concerns regarding the introduction of facial recognition and the lack of consultation involved. The company confirmed that this had been brought in as a trial only at Palm Beach Casino and that it was for the identification of customers only, no staff would be subject to this technology. They have not confirmed if they intend to roll this out to other clubs at present, but we have stated we need to be kept informed, especially if the usage is to be changed. If you hear about this being introduced and have concerns please speak to your local rep or GMB regional officer.
Pay Living Wage Increase.
On 1st April the living wage increased to £11.44 minimum p/h. We had discussed this as part of the pay deal last year, but members were confused as to whether they should qualify for the top up. We have asked that the company confirm to members if they are to receive the uplift in their pay.
Joint GMB & Genting Zero Tolerance Abuse Policy
As part of our regular site visits members have expressed their concerns over abuse from members of the public and how little sems to be done when the public are challenged. The company informed us they already have an abuse policy and we have asked to see this. We have expressed that our members need to feel safe coming to work and that the policy may need updating and communicating to the sites to ensure it is followed correctly. We have agreed to work with the company on updating this and will keep you informed. Meanwhile the company use an Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) for staff who may need additional support if an incident occurs. If you are abused at work and feel that you are not being supported then please contact your local rep or speak to you regional officer.
Please share this email amongst your colleagues and encourage them to join the GMB for support in their workplace. They can join by clicking on the link www.GMB.org.uk/join.
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a workplace representative or how you can get involved, please contact your local GMB office.
Yours,
Gill Ogilvie
GMB National Lead