Dominating the Auckland skyline is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, Sky Tower. For those crazy enough to take up the offer there is a 630ft fall allowing wired jumpers to cover the distance in 16 seconds. For those who prefer a less exuberant adrenaline rush there are the SkyCity Auckland gaming tables and gaming machines. SkyCity’s stated policy is commitment to customer care and best practice host responsibility initiatives that include the responsible service of alcohol and the responsible provision of gambling.

The Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota members at SkyCity Auckland are on strike again today. According to an SFWU press release, the workers have safety concerns and questions about host responsibility. Profit growth of over 200% since 1996 is not reflected in the lower than average pay rates for SkyCity workers. CEO Evan Davies has recently been awarded a 25% salary rise to bring him in line with Australian CEOs, and the Union comments that it would take him 7 days to make what a SkyCity worker earns in a year. SFWU queries how the Auckland community is winning at SkyCity, which made a $56 million (US$35.5 million) profit for the first six months of 2006.

SkyCity celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. In its shareholder newsletter published last month, Evan Davies says that it has been 10 years of fun and entertainment, strong operational performance, community contribution and 10 years as a leading employer. Shareholders who have been with SkyCity since 1998 have seen a 33.8% annual equivalent gross return on their investment. SkyCity Auckland will always have its winners and losers but the SFWU Nga Ringa Tota previously won a $1 per hour pay increase over two years for its members. Union negotiators are gambling on winning again. (E-08.11.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage